Kathleen M. O'Connell

Kathleen O'Connell of Waltham died February 19, 2024 at Pine Knoll Nursing Center in Lexington following a period of declining health.

Kathleen was born on July 10, 1937, in Newton, MA. She was the daughter of the late David and Nora (Higgins) O'Connell. She lived most of her life in Waltham until moving to Watertown in the early 90's. Kathleen worked as an administrative assistant for Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston until she retired in 2005.

As a young adult Kathleen enjoyed trips to NYC with her friends to see Broadway musicals. A self-proclaimed fashionista, she adored Jackie 0 and would mimic some of her iconic styles. She was an avid animal lover who would often be found feeding and caring for homeless or wounded animals throughout the city. She provided a loving home to many cats and even a few birds. She loved bubble baths, liver and onions and Baileys Irish Cream. Always the "fun" aunt she spent many weekends with her nieces and nephew teaching them how to drive on the "streets" of Mt. Feake and Calvary Street Cemeteries, taking them on adventurous shopping trips to Jordan Marsh and Filene's Basement, or simply making a lunch or dinner all the more special by using her good china and serving their milk or juice in a fancy wine glass with a special toast "Salute e tutte Guagnano".

From birth until her death, you could always find her singing or humming; most of her conversations were relayed through song, a trait that her nieces and grandnieces have fondly embraced.

She was predeceased by her siblings David O'Connell, William O'Connell, and Alice (Al) Breton. She leaves behind her nieces Dawn (James) Messer and Tracey (Bill) Ferguson and her nephew David (Tammi-Sue) Breton along with 8 grandnieces/nephews and 8 great grandnieces/nephews. 

Family and friends are welcome to pay respects on Friday, May 17, at 10:00 AM at Joyce Funeral Home where her funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM. Burial will following at Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.