Rita Hoerl O'Connell

93, of Indianapolis departed this life December 2, 2015. Rita was born March 26, 1922 in Wurzburg, Germany to the late Martin Joseph and Angelina Hoerl.

Her parents, conscious of the rise to power of Adolf Hitler, left Germany. Following a long and difficult ocean journey, she arrived at Ellis Island on October 10, 1927.

Rita graduated from St. Mary’s High School, and then worked at Wm. H. Block for ten years. She married Joseph F. O’Connell, Jr. on October 7, 1950. She was a longtime and dedicated member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church since 1959. At Holy Spirit, Rita was a member of the Altar Society, the Women’s Club and truly enjoyed volunteering at the summer festival. She enjoyed painting in her younger years, and crafts in her later years. She enjoyed her family more than anything else. She also loved travel, unique culinary experiences, and sharing stories from her remarkably detailed memories.

Rita is survived by her beloved husband of 65 wonderful years, Joseph F. O’Connell, Jr.; her loving children, Joseph M. (Amy) O’Connell, Paul (Teresa) O’Connell, Michael O’Connell, Eileen (Duane) Whiting, Julie (Bryan) Davies and Lisa (Rich) Danhauer; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Rita was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Barbara O’Connell.

Visitation for Rita will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 12th in Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at 11:00 am. Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary, Indianapolis, IN.