Vlasta Jane O'Connell

Vlasta Jane (Lorenc) O'Connell passed away on October 27, 2025. She was 86 years old.
She was born in February 1939 in Cedar Springs, Ontario, Canada to parents, John and Mary Lorenc. She was raised near the shores of Lake Erie and grew up enjoying the outdoors and camping with family and friends. She graduated from Blenheim High School before coming to the United States in 1959. Sponsored by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where her sister was already living, Vlasta began working at the University of Michigan Press in Ann Arbor. It was there that she met the love of her life, Thomas, after the two exchanged a few playful winks across the office, their lifelong romance began. The couple married and shared 58 wonderful years together before his passing in 2021.
A proud member of St. Thomas Catholic Parish for many years, Vlasta lived her faith through kindness and service. She worked as a secretary to principals in the Ann Arbor Public School System, served as a devoted "lunch mom," and volunteered with both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts for her children. She was a steady and cheerful presence in her community and encouraged countless children (including her own) to pursue their education and dreams.
Vlasta had a zest for life. She loved casino trips, shopping (especially for shoes), feeding the birds in her yard, and being an avid bowler she was in league for a lot of years with her friends at Colonial Lanes in Ann Arbor. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to share silly moments and inside jokes with her husband, family and friends. Her warmth and happiness made her a joy to be around, and she leaves behind countless memories of laughter and love.
She is survived by her children, Kellie (David) Loweke and Thomas (Sandra) O'Connell; grandson, Sean O'Connell; brother, John (Ann) Lorenc; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas, and her sister, Hilda.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 from 4-5pm, with funeral at 5pm.
Vlasta will be laid to rest at her family plot at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Humane Society, as Vlasta held any animal near and dear to her heart.