Audrey O'Connell

Audrey D. O'Connell NORFOLK - Audrey D. O'Connell, 88, of the 300 block of W. Brambleton Ave., died Aug. 13, 2008, at Harbour Pointe Medical and Convalescent Center. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of Alfred and Eleanor Anderson DeFreitas. She was married to Cmdr. Thomas F. O'Connell for 30 years until his death in 1974. She had a career as a court reporter and executive secretary. She was involved in the Officers' Wives Clubs at Tom's various duty stations. More recently, she was a member of St. Anne's Circle and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Known for her feisty spirit and fierce independence, Audrey lived on her own through her 87th year. She was mostly at home spending time with her grandchildren, whose company she enjoyed with a passion. She lived each day to its fullest and constantly put others' needs above her own. She is survived by two children, Neil Bruce O'Connell and his wife Frances G. and Elaine Pierce and her husband Mel, all of Norfolk; brother, Howard A. DeFreitas and his wife Louise of Saint Petersburg, Fla. In addition, she leaves to cherish her memory three very special grandchildren, Diana L. O'Connell of Asheville, N.C. and Ryan T. and Colby E. Pierce of Norfolk. She also leaves behind many special relatives in New York, friends in Norfolk and throughout the country whom she regularly communicated with through long personal letters each Christmas. These longtime friendships meant so much to her. Special thanks to Koko Womas of Harbour Pointe who gave Audrey something to look forward to each day with his ready smile, kind words and special way. Even in her final days, Koko could bring a brightened eye and a smile to Audrey's face, and for his part in giving her comfort during many difficult months the family will be forever grateful. Thanks also to Barbara Metzger, RN, for her persistence in getting Audrey the care she needed. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Norfolk at 11 a.m. Friday. Burial will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, via mail at ASPCA Tributes, 520 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York City, NY 10018. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements.