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Mary O'Connell Obituary
Mary McCabe O'CONNELL With a sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes, and the gift of joy, Mary blessed all that knew her, which includes her three children, Katie (Gaebel), Claire (Cahill), and Ted O'Connell. Her eight grandchildren, who she taught to body surf in the ocean, include Mary Kelly and Roger Gaebel, Katie, Mac and Reed Cahill and Tricia (O'Connell) Piper, Erin (O'Connell) Rasmussen, and Megan O'Connell. Known as Mare to her family, she loved having fun with her two son-in-laws, and daughter-in-law, Rog Gaebel, Chip Cahill and Leslie (Dumas) O'Connell and her loving brother JR, who shares her passion for family and life. Mary loved people, travel, laughter and friends and she shared this with all the organizations she was involved in; in Pasadena CA they include her Kappa Alumnae Association, Junior League, her garden club, South Pasadena Beautiful, Girl Scouts as a troop leader, and the Huntington Library. In Seattle she loved luncheons with her Kappa friends, and her cousin Jim. But at her core, she was a teacher and loved making a difference in children's lives. She loved the warm sunshine of Southern California and the beautiful sunsets over Lake Washington the last seven years. Mary was born in Seattle March 1st 1928 and passed away in her home in Kirkland February 6th. Mary will be joining her husband Tom to dance among the stars. In lieu of flowers the family respectably requests donations be made to Swedish Hospital Hospice, or the UW Athletics/Husky Stadium fund.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary O'Connell
6 Entries
Cynthia Jeanne Kiel Scott Francisco
February 4, 2025
Still here and missing you and other old pals--Cheers my dear!
love, "Cympo"
Cynthia Francisco
February 4, 2024
Still miss her after all these years -Love, Cympo
Randy Smith
February 19, 2011
Dear Katie, Claire & Teddy:
I am so sorry to hear of this. I always asked Meridee S. how your mom was getting along each summer that I saw Meridee, for the last 10 or so years. And I still have the memories of baby-sitting you three at the old Court Street home while they were up at the old Huntington-Sheraton Hotel in Pasadena having drinks, dinner and dancing. The O'Connells were sure part of the old McCabe/Miller/Smith neighborhood, and now it's just us kids left. Enjoy all the good memories. Big hugs to you all.
February 16, 2011
The McGrath family that now lives in the "O'Connell home" on Court Street, send our condolences to the O'Connell family. We will forever be grateful for the opportunity we've been given to live in your beautiful home. Your family will always be remembered. Thank you....
Our love,
Josh, Angie, Michael and Luke
petrie wilson
February 12, 2011
I think the obituary article was excellent ! Yes, Mary did LOVE life and shared that with everyone....she was a great friend...and will always be remembered for her valiance..God Bless her,
Cynthia Francisco
February 12, 2011
Mary was my best friend for at least 70 years. We attended 7th grade together at South Pas Junior High and when we were in high school I walked from my house in San Marino to Mary's house on Oak Street in South Pasadena and we picked camellias in their front yard to wear in our hair before walking together to classes at South Pas High. We always laughed a lot and kept in touch over the years. After we were both widowed we travelled together to Europe and many times to Mexico to her condo in Ixtapa. So long, dear friend. I will miss you. Love, "Cympo"
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