Elaine A. O'Connell

Elaine A. O’Connell (nee Sampson), passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the age of 85. She was born to the late Louise (nee Schuerman) and Benjamin Sampson on June 8, 1940, in Covington, Kentucky. Elaine was the beloved wife of the late Charlie O’Connell; loving mother of Kathleen O’Connell, Michael (Carolyn) O’Connell, Dan (Shannon) O’Connell, Colleen (Dave) Bush, and Tim O’Connell; cherished grandmother of Greg (Rachel), Clayton (Caitlin), Emilie (Christopher), Eva (Nicholas), Alyson (Evan), Morgan, Chas (Roselynn), Johnny, Abby, Katie, Ava, Tyler, Reagan, and Jason; treasured great-grandmother of 2; and dear sister of Anita (Richard) Morris and the late Michael (Diana, living) Sampson. She is also survived by numerous loved nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Elaine will be remembered for her social spirit and love of community. She cherished gatherings with her many lifelong friends and had a natural gift for welcoming new people into her life. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid Bridge player. Those who knew her well will recall her competitive nature, which she paired well with ensuring all had a good time. In addition, Elaine was famously frugal, always finding a bargain or clipping a coupon. 

Elaine’s greatest devotion was to her family. She treasured the time she and Charlie spent working alongside each other as they successfully owned and operated Magna Dry and Hathaway Carpet Service. She was a constant and enthusiastic presence in her family’s lives, especially her grandchildren’s. She attended all their sporting events and performances, cheering them on with unmatched pride. She was sustained throughout her life by a deep Catholic faith and took great comfort in the hope of being reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Charlie, and her family who went before her. Elaine’s smile, her savvy, and her unconditional support will be missed tremendously by all blessed enough to have known her.

Memorial Mass in her honor will take place on Saturday, November 8th at 10:30am at St. James Church, 3565 Hubble Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45247. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Goldstein Family Grief Center (contribute online here - please use the drop down menu to select "Goldstein Family Grief Center"), Thomas Ballaban Scholarship Fund c/o St. Xavier High School (600 W North Bend Rd, 45224), or Vitas Hospice (contribute online here). Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family during this time.