Ruth (Grant) O’Connell, 99, of Brockton and Onset, passed away on November 3, 2011 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton after a period of failing health. She was the wife of the late John F. O’Connell, Jr.
Ruth was born in Brockton the daughter of the late Charles S. Grant and Nellie (Murphy) Grant and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Brockton High School and from Framingham State College in 1935, majoring in foods and nutrition.
Ruth was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church where she taught CCD, and was a member and officer of the Ladies Sodality. She was also a member and officer of the Twentieth Century Catholic Club, the Easton Historical Society, and a past president of the Brockton Police Wives Association.
In addition to these activities, Ruth enjoyed a thirty-two year teaching career at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, MA, where in addition to her teaching duties she was actively involved in student musical and drama productions. She was an active woman who liked music, collecting antiques, and cooking. She was also an experienced seamstress.
Ruth is survived by her children Karen G. O’Connell, Kevin C. O’Connell and his wife Susan (Bernier) O’Connell, all of Brockton. She also leaves three grandchildren, Kevin J. O’Connell, Elizabeth A. O’Connell and Brendan W. O’Connell, also of Brockton. Ruth was the sister of the late Richard J. Grant, Reginald C. Grant and cousin of Rita M. Bleakney of Weymouth. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton Sunday 2-5 pm. The funeral procession will form at the funeral home Monday at 8 am for a Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 9 am. Burial will follow in Melrose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s name may be sent to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114.