Jeanne M. O'Connell

O’Connell, Jeanne Marie passed away peacefully on 9/2/2019 at ElderCareCottages, Waterford, WI with her youngest son, Matthew, at her bedside. Loving wife of John E. O’Connell and devoted mother of Susan (Truman), Maura (Tim), John Kevin (Lyn), Michele (James), David (Susan), Mark (Monica), and Matthew. Grandmother of Colin, Bridget, Stephen, Alexander, Magdalena, Declan, Cooper, Charles, Ellis, Finn, Nemo, Domino, Calvin, Capri, and Freya. Great grandmother of Archer, Liam, Elliot, Harlow, Henry and Paloma. She is preceded in death by brothers Robert and William and sister Ann. Jeanne was born in Dubuque, IA on 8/20/1928 to Joseph and Rose (Wendt) Doll. After completing grade and high school at St. Columbkille’s Parish, she enrolled at Clarke College (now University) in Dubuque where she earned a BS in Food and Nutrition in 1950. Then she was employed as a Home Economist by the Milwaukee Gas Light Company in their Home Service Department. She married John E. ’Gene’ O’Connell in Dubuque on 6/2/51 and later that year moved from Milwaukee to Muskego and joined St. Joseph Parish. In 1955 they purchased their first home in Big Bend where she remained a ‘stay at home Mom’ from 1952 until 1974. She then accepted employment at the Big Bend branch of the Citizens Bank of Mukwonago which was 2 blocks from home with ‘Bankers’ hours; closing at 3PM! She retired from this community centered position in 1987. Jeanne was an avid reader, especially for children and grandchildren, music lover, pianist, and choir member. She made time for involvement in parish, schools, civic and community efforts including scouting, library support and summer recreation. Family tent camping began in 1956 and grew in all dimensions for frequent family travel, for example: two 30 day trips: one in 1962 to the Seattle Worlds’ Fair with six children and the Montreal Worlds’ Fair in 1967 with all 7. Anticipating their 25th wedding anniversary, she and Gene tent camped for a 7 week, 14 country ‘Grand Tour’ of Europe in 1975. Travel abroad continued after retirement and for United States travel, Jeanne kept visits to our children’s grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins in focus and as our children’s careers took them to other communities and states she was always ready for visits with them. Highlights, too, were visits here in Big Bend with our grandchildren. Parish activities continued until her Alzheimer’s limitations made them difficult. Gratitude and appreciation is extended to the caring staff at the ElderCareCottages and in that setting, the Allay Home and Hospice team who provided special comfort for Jeanne and support for her family. Visitation will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, S89 W22650 Milwaukee Ave. (Hy L), Big Bend, WI 53103 on Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 9:00 to-11:45AM with the funeral Mass beginning at 12:00PM. Private interment will occur later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity or an effort you support without giving notice to Jeanne’s family.