O’Connell, Sheila Marie, 80 after a brief illness, formerly of Weston and Dorchester, MA passed away at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham on March 15, 2016 surrounded by her family. Beloved and devoted Wife of the late Commander Daniel Joseph O’Connell US Navy (ret). Devoted mother of Daniel O’Connell and his wife Diane of Wrentham, William O’Connell of Memphis, TN, Carole and her husband Tom Awiszus of Stoneham, Richard O’Connell, Mark O’Connell both of Atlanta, GA, and Ellen O’Connell of Bristol, RI. Adored grandmother of Richard, Sean, Michael, Matty, Carly and Serena O’Connell, and Michael & Kayla Awiszus. Born and raised in Dorchester and Hull, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her parents Daniel and Marjorie O’Connor of Dorchester, brother Thomas O’Connor of Lexington & sister Brenda and her husband Walter Connelly of Milton. Survived by her brother William and his Wife Mary Jean O’Connor of Marblehead, and her sister-in-law Mary O’Connor of Hingham. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1953 and Marymount College in 1957. She became a NAVY WIFE in 1959, raising her family of six children all over the United States. As a Navy wife she was part Doctor, part handyman, helping her children with homework, Chauffeur, Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, and the Easter Bunny, she did it all. She rose to every occasion with class and dignity and embraced the military life with numerous duty station moves and especially Dan’s 1-year tour of duty in Vietnam. Despite the regular upheaval, she ensured Cub scouts - Girl scouts - Little league were top of the list for her children, additionally she had a knack for friendship and developed life long friendships. She raised four successful sons and two daughters and there success was her #1 priority. She loved to spend her time in Hull, Ma with her family and often said, and “If this is not heaven it must be Hull”. She volunteered as a lay Eucharistic minister for the St. Julia’s church and local nursing homes and was a main figure on the Natick women’s bowling women's league. She will be remembered for her devotion to her Faith in God, family and Husband as well as many nights of fried chicken and Irish Lasagna with their always being room for one more. Sheila touched many people throughout her life and will be thought of often as she joins her husband Dan.
Funeral Mass will be held at St Julia’s Church in Weston on Friday March 18, at 10:00am. Visiting hours will be 4:00-8:00pm on Thursday March 17, at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street (Rt.16), Wellesley, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Wounded Warrior Project.