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Anita O'Connell Obituary
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to German and Swiss immigrant parents, Anita grew up in Harrington Park, New Jersey, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for making music, art, gardening, and cooking. Encouraged by her parents, she cultivated her talents in singing, piano, and organ, and carried a deep appreciation for beauty and creativity throughout her life.
Anita attended Harrington Park Elementary School, Dumont High School, and the Englewood Hospital School of Nursing. She enjoyed a long career as a registered nurse, primarily at Englewood Hospital, retiring at age 72.
Known affectionately as "Mrs. O," Anita was engaging, talkative, and full of life. She is fondly remembered as a devoted swim team parent, a costume designer for musical theater productions at Northern Valley Regional High School-Old Tappan, and the gracious host of countless marching band and color guard breakfasts at her home on Columbus Avenue. Anita created a sense of belonging wherever she went and was a welcoming mother, aunt, and sister to many.
In retirement, she performed in community theater productions, sang with church choirs in Milford, New Hampshire, and Fox Point, Wisconsin, and continued her love of gardening through floral arrangements and centerpieces shared at family gatherings and celebrations.
Anita is survived by her sister, Camilla (Bill) of Oradell, New Jersey; her son, Scott of Bristol, New Hampshire; her daughters, Stephanie (Darrin) of State College, Pennsylvania, and Carrie of Huntsville, Alabama; and four nephews, three nieces, and four grandchildren.
Anita's children are planning a celebration of Anita's life in the spring when all the flowers are blooming.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anita O'Connell
Joann
February 18, 2026
Anita and I were close friends beginning when we were only five years old. We walked each other home at lunchtime and back to school in the afternoon. We loved to sing together, even in our 80s on the phone. She was so clever, caring, and FUN! I was blessed with her friendship.
Jo Fisher Schmidt
maggie corbett lake
January 25, 2026
Anita lived across the the street from me on Columbus ave in Harrington park. Anita was more then the neighbor across the street. I loved her so much and she had such a amazing impact on my life. I will always remember the day I tragically lost my dad . Anita was the first person I ran to . I remember calling her at 2am because I was scared and did not want to sleep at my house. She took me in and stayed up with me for the remainder of the night. I. will forever be grateful for her kindness. She was always there for me during the worst of times. I also had the privilege to babysit her 3 children. She would bring us to the HP swim club where I enjoyed watching them there. I could go on and on . I learned so much from her , but especially her love and compassion to others as I try to follow in her footsteps. She will always have a special place in place in my heart! I love you Anita, Rest Easy Maggie corbett lake
Emma T
January 24, 2026
I don´t think anyone will make me feel as special as Anita did, she only ever had the sweetest things to say. she will be missed greatly
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Julalee clarke
January 23, 2026
Anita was a very pleasant lady love her job and do it well because of that we work well together she will be miss
Emily Walsh
January 22, 2026
Anita was my parents neighbor in Milford, NH Anita was more than just a neighbor; she was a source of constant joy, humor, and compassion. I will never forget planting flowers with her, our Ben & Jerry´s porch dates, and her incredible ability to heal anyone with her knowledge and her heart.
She and Zelda were such a huge part of our lives. Anita, you are always in our hearts. May her memory be a blessing.
Karen Walsh
January 22, 2026
I met Anita the day I moved in next door to her in Milford, NH . We became best of friends and enjoyed meals, planting flowers and many long talks. I just loved this strong woman . So kind ! We spent many hours on her front porch with Zelda ( her dog ) and my dog, Tilly chatting . I cried when she moved I know she is happy now . A new angel.
Sauhad Greff
January 22, 2026
My beautiful friend Anita, who I was privileged to meet 30 years ago at Englewood Hospital. How can I sum up so many years of a wonderful friendship? The memories are endless and will always bring joy and happiness to my heart. Anita was the most amazing person- loving, generous, creative, fun, smart, caring, bold! Heaven has gained an angel. I thank God for the blessing of knowing her. May she rest in Gods eternal peace. Thank you for being my GREAT friend. I will always LOVE you.
Sauhad Greff
January 22, 2026
My beautiful friend Anita, who I was privileged to meet 30 years ago at Englewood Hospital. How can I sum up so many years of a wonderful friendship? The memories are endless and will always bring joy and happiness to my heart. Anita was the most amazing person- loving, generous, creative, fun, smart, caring, bold! Heaven has gained an angel. I thank God for the blessing of knowing her. May she rest in Gods eternal peace. Thank you for being my GREAT friend. I will always LOVE you.
Ellen Hellman
January 21, 2026
Anita was a very special woman and a wonderful nurse. My family met her at Englewood Hospital where she worked with my own mom who had been diagnosed with Cancer. It was 1973, and Hospice didn´t exist. My mom wanted to die at home, and Anita came home with us to take care of my mom for the last 2 months of her life. My mom had a great sense of humor and we literally spent 3/4 of those 2 months laughing. Every afternoon we´d bake cookies because Anita wanted to make sure that mom´s visitors were well fed. We lost my mom right before Christmas that year, and because of Anita, I decided to become a Nurse Practitioner when I left for college several years later. I lost touch with Anita until she found me on Facebook. We spoke often while she was living in NH, and Wisconsin. She loved her children and grandchildren like no other. I adored Anita, and will always be so thankful for everything she did for my mom and the rest of my family. Heaven just gained an angel, and we lost the "lead angel" of life. Rest well my dear. You were loved and admired tremendously!! . XO,Ellen
Terttu Sahadi
January 17, 2026
Sorry to hear your mother´s passing. I learned so much from her nursing, knitting.. I worked with her in 8 Dean EH and will never forget her!
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