Kathleen O'Connell, 1934-2023. Kathleen was born in County Leitrim Ireland to Johnny and Agnes Gaffney and was raised on the farm her parents owned. She spent her childhood summers in Belfast, where she often saw U.S. GI's during the war. Growing up she would savor the delightful gelato from the Italian neighbors in the shop below her sisters' flat. Kathleen attended convent schools in Ballinamore and in Enniskillen and a college of music in London. She left her studies at the age of 16 to play the piano and sing in a dance band for six years. The band traveled throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Later, she married Jim O'Connell in 1957, followed him to Chicago where they started their family. They became the proud parents of Kevin, Fiona, Aileen and Maurita. She was most beloved by her husband, their children and by her nine siblings: Mairead, Sheila, Claire, Phil, Frank, Sean, Noel, Mary and Noreen.
Visitation on Friday, December 15th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Andrew McGann & Son, 10727 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 11:30 am at St. Bernadette Parish, 9343 S. Francisco Avenue, Evergreen Park, Illinois. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Mausoleum in Alsip, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andrewmcgann.com for the O'Connell family.
