Eleanor Louise O'Connell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Eleanor Louise O’Connell (Ellie), beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away in Raleigh, NC at Transitions Hospice Care on April 11, 2018. Eleanor was born June 16, 1937 in Binghamton, NY daughter of the late Bernard and Beatrice Barnes. Ellie graduated from Binghamton Central High school and earned a BS in Nursing from St. Joseph’s College in Emmitsburg, MD. After college she and John R. O’Connell married and moved to Newport, RI where Ellie worked with the Newport visiting nurse program. The couple later located in Poughkeepsie, NY where they raised their two daughters where Eleanor was active in social and athletic activities. In 1984 the family moved to Cary, NC and enjoyed spending time in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Eleanor’s interests included tennis, traveling, crosswords puzzles and fine dining. She especially enjoyed their annual vacation with family and friends at Lake George, NY. Eleanor was actively involved in club and church activities including Newcomers, Cary Women’s Club, Book Club and working with the Center for Volunteer Caregiving. She served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church for many years. Eleanor is survived by her husband of 59 years, John O’Connell (Dick) and her two daughters, Christine O’Connell of Cedar Point, NC, and Sharon Thompson of Medford, NJ, her son-in-law Herbert Thompson and grandchildren Kelly, Sean and Kathryn Thompson. A mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 am Friday, April 20, 2018 at St. Michael’s Church in Cary, NC with a reception at the Parish Center following the Mass. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Center for Volunteer Caregiving, 1150 SE Maynard Rd Ste 210, Cary, NC 27511. Online condolences may be made through www.wakefuneral.com

Eleanor Louise O'Connell

June 16, 1937 - April 11, 2018