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Colleen Elizabeth O'Connell

About

Louis E. Dieruff High School Kutztown University

FUNERAL HOME

O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown

908 Hanover Ave

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Colleen O'Connell Obituary

Colleen E. O'Connell 64, of Allentown peacefully passed away on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in her home. On November 22, 1980 she married Barry J. O'Connell to whom she was happily married for 39 years. Born in Allentown, Colleen was the daughter of the late Richard G. and Jean M. (O'Mara) Garger. She was a graduate of Dieruff High School Class of 1974 and Kutztown University Class of 1978. She was a faithful lifetime member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Allentown. Prior to retiring in 2012 Colleen worked for over 31 years, as a dedicated and loving school teacher for the Allentown School District, always making sure she delivered whatever her children needed with instructional expertise and the heart and love of a mother. Her commitment was evident in the tireless hours after school in preparation for a responsive, warm and nurturing classroom. No matter how challenging the situation was, she would embrace it with strength and positivity. She truly was a mentor to up-coming educators as well as her colleagues. Colleen's classroom became a morning gathering place for teachers to work and vent frustrations, in which she would share her wisdom and her beautiful sense of humor. Her family often sought her wisdom, knowledge and expertise as she so generously and willingly provided support and effort. Colleen's caring and concern were so genuine and her sense of humor brightening and up-lifting. We wish to recognize and celebrate the impact Colleen contributed to the Sheridan Family...students, parents, colleagues as an outstanding educator and humanitarian. In a world where it's important to look around for helpers, Colleen was the person you needed and found. Surviving with her husband Barry are sons; Ian and Sean O'Connell. Brother; Richard M. Garger and his wife Kimberly, of Richlandtown. Sister; Sharon wife of Daniel Strohler, of Bethlehem. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the O'Donnell Funeral Home, Allentown.

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Published by Morning Call on Mar. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Colleen O'Connell

Sponsored by O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown.

16 Entries

Karen Newell

April 13, 2020

Barry and family,
I was so sad to hear about Colleen's passing. I taught with Colleen for many years at Sheridan. She was so dedicated and deeply cared about her students. Her sense of humor got me through many stressful days.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this sad time.

With deepest sympathy,
Kare Newell

April 3, 2020

Rick
So very sorry to read of Colleen's death. Sending you hugs and prayers
Louise Holmes

Allison McElroy

April 1, 2020

Barry, Ian, Sean,

Trevor and I are very sorry to read about Colleen's passing. A kind, caring loving wife and mother. I will remember her beautiful smile and kindness. We enjoyed many years of watching our boys grow up together in scouting and friendship.

Deepest, heartfelt condolences,

Trevor and Allison McElroy

Charles O'Donnell, Jr.

March 31, 2020

Barry and boys, Ricky, Sharon and families,

We would like to share our deepest condolences. I have many happy memories, while growing up, of Colleen. I will always remember her calling me "Chucky Boy". May you find comfort during this difficult time.

Chuck Jr. and Family

Lynette Smith

March 30, 2020

I am so heartbroken to hear of Colleen's passing. Colleen and I met in second grade and were the very best of friends from that moment through all our years of school. I have countless memories of our friendship from over the years including riding bikes in our neighborhood, swimming every day at Jordan Pool, summer days at the Garfield playground and Romper Day, family outings, sleepovers, school dances, learning how to drive, working at Bucky Boyle Pool and talking on the phone almost every single day - sometimes for hours at a time. I can't imagine what my life would have been like if I hadn't had a true best friend like Colleen in my life as I was growing up; I could always count on her to be there for me. She was smart, kind, caring, and so much fun to be with. I wish everyone was lucky enough to have the kind of friendship that we shared.

I cherished every moment of our long friendship and missed her as we drifted apart in our adult years. Throughout the years I thought of her often and each memory would bring a smile to my face. Most recently I thought of her on March 16, her birthday, and a few nights ago when James Taylor's You've Got a Friend came on Sirius Radio. Only a few hours after reminiscing about my friend, I learned that she died. My heart goes out to Colleen's family and friends who will miss her terribly. Goodbye my dear friend, I will forever cherish the memories that we made together. We were quite a team!

With much love,
Lynette

Karen Christman

March 30, 2020

Dear Barry, Ian and Sean,

My deepest condolences on the loss of Colleen.y prayers are with at this time.

Karen Christman

Jay Bateman

March 30, 2020

I'm very sorry to hear Colleen has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with Barry and Family during this most difficult time.

Anita Washington Baten

March 30, 2020

To The Colleen O'Connell Family...
So sorry to learn of Colleen's passing. She was an excellent teacher and a delight as a colleague! Also, she had a great sense of humor! Most importantly, she was a lovely human being!
May your positive memories of her and the positive memories of colleagues and friends help to sustain you, during your time of bereavement and beyond.

Heartfelt sympathy...
Anita W. Baten

ardo angelo

March 30, 2020

I was a custodian for colleen for over 12 years at sheridan elementary. what a wonderful person.we had many talks together. i will never forget all the wonderful times we shared.Rest in peace my dear friend. love angelo ardo

Scott Gehringer

March 30, 2020

To The Oconnell And Garger Families
I Was Deeply Saddened To Hear Of The Passing Of Colleen.May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mary Curtis

March 29, 2020

I was so sad to see the passing of Colleen. I am a sales associate at Talbots in Allentown and she was one of my very very favorite customers. She was always happy and looked at the world in a very positive way and I am saddened to hear of her passing. Please except My condolences on your loss

Joe & Randy Hanna

March 29, 2020

Our heartfelt condolences to Barry, Ian , Sean, Ricky, and Sharon on your beloved Colleen. May she Rest in Peace and may her Memory be Eternal...

Yearbook photo

Kay Kurtz - Website Administrator

March 29, 2020

O'Connell/Garger families:

The Louis E. Dieruff High School Alumni Association offers our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Colleen.

We posted an announcement to the In Memory section of our local website to notify your classmates (DHS '74, DHS '77, DHS '82) of her passing.

In sympathy and in friendship.

Dieruff Alumni Association
Board of Directors
www.dieruff-alumni.org

Linda (Reck) Ferenchko

March 29, 2020

So sorry for your loss. I went to grade school at Garfield with Colleen and also graduated with her from Dieruff. She was a friend, so sad that she has passed.
My sincere sympathy.

Jim Hanna

March 29, 2020

So sorry for your loss. I graduated from Dieruff with Colleen and had the privilege to have her as a friend. I remember her just as you protrayed her. She was a kind and loving soul. May her memory be eternal.

Stacy Cunningham

March 29, 2020

You were such a great friend and teacher. I learned so much from you and continue to think of you when I teach. My prayers go out to Barry and the boys. Rest In Peace now friend.

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