Bernadette Clare Clancy O'CONNELL

O'CONNELL, Bernadette Clare Clancy
February 11, 1930 - June 12, 2017
Died peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by her family and friends. Beloved wife of the late John O'Connell, loving mother to Sheilagh, Sean and Maureen (Wendy McClure) and the late Paul. Devoted Nana to Siobhan. Dear sister to the late Josie Reynolds and the late Theresa Clancy. Dear aunt to Seamus, Maureen, Phyllis, Padraic, Arnold and Bernadette, and many great- nieces and nephews. Dear sister-in-law to Bonnie O'Connell and the late Charlie O'Connell, Elizabeth, and Miller O'Connell. Bernadette was born and raised in County Leitrim, Ireland. Bernadette left home in her twenties and immigrated to Canada for work as a nurse in Newfoundland. She eventually moved to Ontario and married John. She raised her children in Gloucester, Ontario and continued nursing for almost thirty years. For most of her career, Bernadette worked at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). She was well loved by her young patients, their parents and her colleagues. She had many wonderful friends. Everyone who knew her remembers her kindness, compassion and gentle smile. During the last years of her life, Bernadette suffered from Alzheimer's. We thank the wonderful staff at the Laurier Manor Nursing Home for their loving care of Bernadette in her final days. Family and friends are invited to Racine, Robert & Gauthier Funeral Home, 180 Montreal Rd., Ottawa, on Thursday, June 15, 2017, from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Assumption Church, 320 Olmstead, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CHEO or The Alzheimer Society. In memory of Bernadette, guests are invited to wear a pink or purple item of clothing to highlight her favourite colours, or something that is green to honour her Irish heritage.