Debra J. Geary O'Connell

O'CONNELL, DEBRA J. GEARY WATERVLIET - Debra J. Geary O'Connell, 54, a long-time survivor of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and kidney transplant surgery, died peacefully on January 27, 2011 at Albany Medical Center Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Troy on February 1, 1956, Debbie was the dear daughter of James K. and Carole J. Farnham Geary who reside in Troy. She was a lifelong Watervliet resident and a 1974 graduate of Watervliet High School. Debbie was employed by the Albany Medical Center Hospital billing department for several years before illness forced her to retire in 1997. She was a communicant of St. Brigid's Church in Watervliet and was a former member of the Schuyler Heights Volunteer Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary. Debbie's focus in life was undoubtedly her children and grandchildren who provided her with so much joy. For many years, Debbie volunteered at the former St. Brigid's School in Watervliet where her children were students. She was very much loved and cherished and will always be remembered for living her life, despite all the setbacks it presented her, with a smile on her face. In addition to her parents, Debbie is survived by her cherished children, Kim (William) Heffner of Poestenkill, Jeff (Francis) O'Connell of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Matthew O'Connell of Albany and Katelyn O'Connell of Watervliet; her adoring grandchildren, Aidan and Morgan Heffner and Brady O'Connell; her loving brothers and sister, James (Amanda) Geary of Valparaiso, IN, Cindy (Dave) Stewart of Westfield, IN and Kevin (Cara) Geary of Fishers, IN; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Debbie's family extends a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of AMCH C3East and to Dr. Conti, Dr. Gallichio and Dr. Schumacher for the loving and dedicated care given to Debbie throughout her illnesses. We are also grateful and appreciative for the support of Debbie's best friend Kathleen Grady of Watervliet. Debbie's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10 am in St. Brigid's Church, Watervliet. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet on Sunday from 4 until 7 pm. Following cremation, Debbie will be interred in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. For those who wish to honor Debbie's memory in a special way, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of NE New York, 99 Troy Road, Suite 200, East Greenbush, NY 12061-1027. Condolence page and directions at www.parkerbrosmemorial.com Please sign the guestbook at rememberingny.us/troyrecord