WORCESTER___Catherine J. (Jocz) O’Connell, 83, of Worcester, died Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 in The Hermitage Golden Living Center, 383 Mill St. Her husband, William J. O’Connell died in 1984.
She leaves three step children, John D. O’Connell of Worcester; Mary C. Braley of San Antonio, Texas and Rosalie M. Martin of Boston; seven step grandchildren, Monica, Paul, Andrew, Bill, Christine, Michael and Joseph, 15 step great-grandchildren, four sisters-in-law, Theresa Joyce of North Grafton; Mary A. Jocz - Joyce of Worcester; Florence E. Jocz of Holden and Mary Jane Joyce of West Boylston and seven nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by five brothers and two sisters, Charles T, John J. Jr, Joseph J, and Anthony E. Jocz, Edward Joyce, Marie T. Meduski and Jane J. Shaw. She was born in Worcester, a daughter of John J. and Malwina (Szewerenka) Jocz and lived here all her life.
Mrs. O’Connell was a secretary for Worcester Mayor James D. O’Brien and later for many years at the College of the Holy Cross in the Office of Class Dean. She retired many years ago. Catherine was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and a Worcester Secretarial School.
She was formerly a member of the National Secretary’s Association, the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, Opera Worcester and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. The family wishes to thank the staff at Tatnuck Park and The Hermitage for the devoted care given to Catherine.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward Street, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Monday, Oct. 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, Ma., 01605.