Michelle O'Connell

1960 - 2026

Michelle O'Connell

04/29/1960 ~ 01/09/2026

Salt Lake City, UT-Michelle O'Connell, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was 65 years old.

Born on April 29, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, Michelle later made her home in Utah, where she lived for many years in the Salt Lake area. Wherever she lived, Michelle brought warmth, creativity, and a deeply spiritual presence to those around her.

Michelle was an entrepreneur and a published author, as well as a vocal coach, producer, life coach, songwriter, and mentor. Her life's work reflected her passion for encouraging others, nurturing creativity, and helping people recognize their God-given gifts.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Michelle was a faithful servant with a generous heart and strong spiritual sensitivity. She lived her testimony through compassion, service, and an unwavering belief in God.

Michelle will be remembered for her kindness, intuition, humor, and her ability to see and bring out the best in others. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Edward O'Connell; her sister, Jacqueline Ballay; and her niece, Diane Plantinga. She is survived by her brother, Patrick (Diane) O'Connell; her nieces Kristin O'Connell, Denise Gonzalez, Mary Patrice Paterson, and Anna Marie Stovall; her nephew Tony Ballay; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life honoring Michelle's joyful spirit will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the

Draper 16th Ward Meetinghouse

13112 S 700 E

Draper, Utah 84020.

An inurnment will take place at a later date in Chicago, Illinois, with family and Chicago friends.

Michelle's life reflected her enduring belief in God, love, and the promise that we are never truly separated from those we hold dear - because, as her book title says, "We Never Say Goodbye."