Obituary of Margaret O'Connell

On January 3, 2023 our beloved Mother Margaret (Peggy) Ann O’Connell (age 85) passed away peacefully in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Born April 11, 1937 in Manhattan NY, Margaret’s family settled in the Adirondack Mountains where she spent most of her childhood years.   She is predeceased by her husband Edward Cummings O’Connell , mother Lillian Pinckney, grandparents Wilhelmina (Mary) and Peter Fransen, her son Barry O'Connell, and her grandson Robert Silk.  Survived by her children Sharon Bodner, Diane Silk (spouse Keith Leininger) ,Edward O’Connell (spouse Catherine O’Connell), Tracy Hennessy (spouse David Hennessy), and by many grandchildren and great grandchildren . She will be deeply missed by all of her loved ones.

Margaret graduated from Chestertown High School in Chestertown NY and is a graduate of the Union University School of Nursing in Albany NY class of 1957.  Margaret had a career in nursing, caring for others as a Registered Nurse in the state of Connecticut.  Margaret and Edward raised their family in Danbury CT and upon their retirement they moved to West Palm Beach.

Known for her gentle quiet spirit, kindness, generosity and love of  family, Margaret enjoyed playing tennis, playing scrabble and gathering her family together. In her younger years she was an avid skier and spent many days on the slopes with her husband and children.  Margaret was a well loved and active member of the community in Century Village where she spent her later years surrounded by many dear friends.

Please join us in honoring this beautiful woman’s life.  A celebration of her life will be held on February 11, 2023 at Cornell Funeral Home, 247 White St. Danbury, Ct. 

Calling hours will be from 1-3pm. Flowers are gratefully welcomed. 

Margaret regularly contributed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in their generous care of children.  If you to wish make a donation to St. Jude’s in honor of her memory please click here: Gift Funds: Margaret O'Connell - Gift Funds for St. Jude (stjude.org)

If you are unable to attend in person there will be a live stream available, check back for link.