Mary Agnes O'Connell

Mary A. (Sheehan) O’Connell, 93, of Case Street in Norwich, passed away 5/22/22, at Orchard Grove in Uncasville after a short illness.  Mary is predeceased by her father, Thomas A. Sheehan and her mother, Agnes I. (Hansen) Sheehan; as well as siblings Dorothy Derosier, Eileen Gross, Thomas Sheehan, Richard Sheehan, and Margaret Stallings, a niece Patricia Farbotka, and a great nephew, Casey Cosker.  She is survived by her husband Richard O’Connell and siblings Elizabeth Pringer of Uncasville and Nelson Sheehan of Norwich; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Mary attended the Norwich Free Academy and graduated with the class of 1947, after studying in the Commercial program.  She became employed at the American Thermos Bottle Company after high school in the billing department and worked there until she retired. Mary made many lifelong friends at Thermos and was a true ‘people person’.  Her friendly outgoing personality made her unforgettable to anyone she encountered.  She loved family and thoroughly enjoyed celebrations, parties and holidays.  A family joke began when her nieces and nephews would call her ‘pretty aunt Mary’ and it stuck with her for life.  Mary loved children and her fun-loving nature made her a hit with all.  She will always be remembered for her sense of humor and positive outlook.   

Mary married Richard O’Connell on February 23, 1963.  They built their home and enjoyed vegetable gardening.  They would visit family bringing vegetables and toys for the children.  Mary and ‘Dick’ made numerous trips to Florida, a cross country trip, and a trip to Ireland.  Mary accompanied her sister Eileen and niece Nancy on a cruise in the Caribbean.  Mary and Eileen made countless trips to New York City together and saw many Broadway plays and visited Casey in Brooklyn.     

A graveside service will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich at 11:00am on Friday, May 27.   Immediately following all are invited to a luncheon at the home of Nancy and Frank Ennis at Miller Road in Preston.

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