Obituary of Barbara O'Connell

Barbara A. (Farrell) O'Connell, 93, of Glastonbury, beloved wife of the late Howard T. O'Connell Sr., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014. Barbara was born Feb. 13, 1921, in Hartford to the late John and Ann (Crowley) Farrell. She graduated at the top of her class from Weaver High School and St. Joseph College, where she majored in biology. Barbara and Howard were brought together by their love for singing in the choir at St. Michael's Church in Hartford, where they were later married. Barbara devoted her life to her husband and to lovingly raising their nine children. While caring for her family, Barbara found time to serve others as a Home Care Aide for the Visiting Nurse Association and by volunteering for many years at East Glastonbury Public Library. Barbara was a longtime member of St. Dunstan Church in Glastonbury and served faithfully as a choir member. She also was active in the ecumenical organization Church Women United. In addition to her love for music, Barbara enjoyed gardening, arranging flowers and identifying the birds that visited her birdfeeder. Barbara will be remembered for her grace, her graciousness and her loving devotion to her family. She is survived by her children Howard (Darlene) O'Connell of Glastonbury; Kathleen (Kevin) Murphy of Vernon; Mary (Gary) Pouliot of Hebron; Margaret (Jim) Collenberg of Great Falls, Va.; David (Gwen) O'Connell of Davenport, Iowa; Ellen (Ken) Nosal of East Hampton; James (Beth) O'Connell of Glastonbury; and Peter (Ginger) O'Connell of Manchester. She also leaves 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter Anne Louise O'Connell. The family is grateful to A Caring Hand and to Barbara's caregiver, Abena, for her love and compassion. Barbara's family will receive relatives and friends at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at St. Dunstan Church, 1345 Manchester Rd., Glastonbury. Burial will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery, Hopewell Rd., South Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara's name may be made to St. Dunstan Church or to East Glastonbury Public Library, 1389 Neipsic Rd., Glastonbury, CT 06033. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.