Beryl Ann O'Connell

She was born on January 24, 1924, in North Dighton, MA, daughter of Everett W. and Anna M. Borden, and was baptized at St. Joseph’s Church.

A member of Taunton High School’s class of 1942, Beryl attended Boston University where she earned an associate degree. During World War Two, she worked at Camp Miles Standish in the telegraph office, sending and receiving confidential messages.

In 1946, she met her future husband, Paul O’Connell. They were married on August 20, 1949, at St. Mary’s in Taunton.

In 1964, the O’Connells settled in Sandwich and became parishioners at Corpus Christi Parish. Harboring a lifelong passion for books, Beryl devoted many years to the Sandwich Public Library where she served on the Board of Directors.

Beryl continued her education with weekly art lessons at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Her watercolor paintings can be found hanging in the homes of many families, friends, and neighbors.

After her own children went to college, Beryl returned to work at Cape Cod Community College where she worked briefly in the registrar’s office before being promoted to supervising the circulation desk in the library and over-seeing the work-study students.

Absolutely, above all, was Beryl’s faith in God. A regular Mass attendee, her Faith inspired all of those around her right to the end. In the past few years despite the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s, whenever Holy Communion was brought to her, she had tears in her eyes.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Paul, her son: Reverend Deacon Dennis G. O’Connell; and her sisters: Barbara Schwab; and Joyce D. Spadaro. She is survived by two sons: Kevin E. O’Connell (Susan) from Winslow, ME; Terrance P. O’Connell (Amanda) of Sandwich, MA. She is also survived by her five, beloved grandchildren: Kelly O. Darmon (Christopher) and Katelynn O. Gallagher (Edward), both of East Sandwich; Capt. Shane E. O’Connell (USAF) of Enid, OK; Brennah C. O’Connell of San Antonio, TX; and Cory E. O’Connell who resides in Houston, TX.

Beryl was also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Kolbie, Kyla, Ty, Bridget, Terry, Brody, Edward V., Kelly, and Isabel. It should be mentioned that she had an incredibly large group of nieces and nephews; all of whom she adored.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich on Friday, November 3 at 11am. Visiting hours are kindly omitted. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Sandwich.

Donations in Beryl’s memory may be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Saint Vincent de Paul, PO Box 668, East Sandwich, MA 02537.