SARATOGA SPRINGS — Maud B. O’Connell, 78, peacefully passed away at her home on Sunday, Oct. 5 with her family at her side.
Born in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland, she was the daughter of the late Charlotte and William Pittman.
Maud retired from Saratoga County BOCES, where she was a teaching assistant for students with special needs.
Her love and generosity continued with her involvement in the Prayer Shawl Ministry, where she knitted Confirmation Stoles for the candidates at St. Clements, as well as socks and hats for the needy. She was a communicant of St. Clements Church in Saratoga Springs.
She married her soul mate, musician Jack O'Connell, in 1991 and harmonized on their love song until his passing in 2011.
Maud was the loving mother of William Hannam (Suzanne), Eileen Cunningham, Thomas Hannam (Lisa), and Sandy Hannam (Mike Toma); stepmother to Sharon McDermott (Joe), Kathryn Palmer (Jeff) and the late Kelly VanAlstine (Ron). She was the adored grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Billy, Kimberly, Kaitlyn, Paul, Angelica, Jonathan, Jason, Beth (Robert), Colin, Colleen (Kevin), Scott, and Dan; and great-grandmother to Noah and Jack.
Maud loved wildflowers. She was also known for her hugs — the loving kind that let your worries fade away. She baked bread and knitted socks, and those who were the recipients of those gifts feel fortunate to have known her. She will be missed by many.
Family will be welcoming friends at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10 in Our Lady’s Chapel at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon in the church and burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to St. Clements Outreach Program, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga, NY 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
