Mary Ellen O'Connell

Mom was surrounded by most of her children when she passed away under passionate care at Madeira Villa Senior Living. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Skelly and her children, John and wife Joanne, Seamus, Mary and husband Scott, Gerry and Patty, her beloved grandchildren, Brent, Carlin, Sarah, Sean, Senan, Aoife, Rhiannon, Dakota, Madelyn, and Collin.

Mary was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She was faithful, humble, kind and selfless. She always had a smile on her face. Even on her last day, her great sense of humor was still present.

Born in New York City, New York of Irish heritage, Mary married the love of her life, Gerard (Jerry) O’Connell. They boldly ventured west to Arizona in the early 60’s. Mary and Jerry adopted John and then Seamus, followed by their four daughters, Mary, Laurie, Gerry and Patricia. Mary’s primary focus in life became raising the family. The O’Connell family spent summer time camping all over Arizona and California.

Much of Mary’s daily routine involved shuttling kids to various activities, events and sports. She truly cared about all of her children, grandchildren, cousins, and nieces and was very involved in their lives throughout her entire life.

Mary and Jerry were very involved with charitable causes and donated extensively to charities, St. Simon and Jude Cathedral, Corpus Christi Church, St. Mary’s Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul & the Diocese of Phoenix.

Mary had tremendous faith in God and was a devout Catholic. She will be very missed and fondly remembered by her loving family and friends, but she is now resting in peace with her loving husband.

The Funeral Mass Service will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday the 5th of April, 2024 at Corpus Christi Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Phoenix AZ, 85044. Immediately after the Mass, we will go to the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Garden of the Blessed Mother, Row 25, Space 11, where she will lay to rest with her husband Gerard and daughter Laurie.