Photo courtesy of Corridan Funeral Home - Chicopee
Chicopee, Massachusetts
Jan 19, 1972 – Dec 13, 2021 (Age 49)
Dudley, MA- Kelly Ann O'Connell, 49, passed away on December 13, 2021 at Harrington Hospital in Webster, MA. One of seven siblings, Kelly was born in Holyoke on January 19, 1972 to the late David and Helen (Scala) O'Connell. Kelly was a graduate of Chicopee High School and received a Bachelor's Degree from Elms College, where she was a three sport athlete and, in 2011, was inducted into the Elms College Athletic Hall of Fame. For over 20 years she coached collegiate basketball and softball with Westfield State, Elms College, Becker College, Rivier College, and Smith College. Kelly was also an avid animal lover and most recently she found her passion in fostering, caring for, and rehabilitating dogs that have been abused and neglected and helping them find a "Forever Home." In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her twin brothers Scott and Shawn O'Connell. She is survived by her partner of 22 years, Kathy Bantley, of Dudley, MA, her brother David O'Connell, of Chicopee, her sisters Laurie O'Connell of Delaware, Cindy LaFortune of North Dakota, and Debi O'Connell of California, as well as several nieces and nephews. All services for Kelly will be held privately at her request. In lieu of flowers, please consider rescuing or adopting a pet, or making a memorial contribution in Kelly's name to Community Cat Connection, of Webster, MA, the Webster Animal Shelter, or Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC. Corridan Funeral Home, Chicopee, MA, has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. To leave your condolences or to share a memory with the family, please visit www.CorridanFuneral.com
Read MoreWhat a good person and great Coach! Fun time umpiring her ballgames. Her Grandmother took me and her boys to Fenway more than once. Kelly won a great percentage of games and had true knowledge of what was going on. God Bless!
David Andrews
January 04, 2022 | Manchester, NH | Acquaintance
Kathy, I just read that your partner passed away. I can't imagine you loss after 22 years. Difficult is an easy word to use, but I'm sure it is well beyond that. You will see yourself, somehow. Keep her with you and your path will always be clear. Shelley Hultgren
Shelley Hultgren
December 19, 2021
May you find comfort and peace during your season of grief.
Albert Amoani Jr
December 18, 2021 | Work
I took care of Kelly's nephew Bryan, and niece Danielle, for about 15 years. I didn't know Kelly well but I know she loved those kids and they idolized her ! I would see her at Birthday parties and such and always loved her fun personality and way with the kids. She was a great woman and a good influence on the people in her family ! I am very sorry for your loss and wish you well !
Debbie Grigas
December 18, 2021 | Ware, MA | Friend
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss, Kelly was such a nice person. I loved speaking with her on the phone and via my chart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tammy -Reliant Medical Group
Tammy crue
December 18, 2021 | Auburn, MA | Friend
To Kathy, your fur babies, family and friends, I am so sorry for the loss of Kelly and Storrs, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I had the privilege of being Kelly's friend. We first became friends in High School and as often happens, we lost contact for a while after graduation. When we reconnected years later, it was like no time had passed at all. I am going to miss her sarcastic sense of humor, her infectious laugh, her big smile and her beautiful soul. Rest easy my friend, I'll...
Jennifer Robb
December 17, 2021 | Friend
To Kathy, your fur babies and your family, I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kelly, I had the privilege of being your friend. We became friends in High School, and like many people do, went our separate ways and lost touch briefly after we graduated. When we reconnected years later, it was like not a day had went by, we picked up right where we left off. I am going to miss your sarcastic humor, your infectious laugh and your beautiful soul. Kelly, thank...
Jennifer Robb
December 17, 2021 | School
To a lady that her shoes are hard to fill. She has gone way to soon but left a mark on so many . My daughter Michelle had her guidance thru two colleges and basketball and softball programs. She took the place of “Mom” in our absence. We remained friends throughout the years with her and Kathy. We are sending our sincere sympathy to the O’Connell family and Kathy in this difficult time. Know we are thinking of you and the crazy laughs we used to have . Sincerely Don Nancy and Michelle...
Nancy Stockwell
December 17, 2021 | Hudson Falls, NY | Friend
Kelly, you were truly one-of-a-kind. There is no one who could charm EVERYONE like you. Your smile, wit, compassion and true love of life have left an amazing legacy that will last forever. Thank you for befriending me (even if it was only because I was "George´s daughter"and you two were already BFFs) when I walked into CHS and for being a good friend for all these years. You welcomed me at the Elms years later with the same warm smile and comforting hug. It is only fitting that you shared...
Alyson Czelusniak
December 17, 2021 | Friend
