Janet Marie O'Connell

JANET MARIE O'CONNELL, 77, of Portland, Maine, passed away at the Cedar's Osher Inn on October 8, 2014, peacefully surrounded by family following a long battle with lung cancer. Janet, or "Ajax" as she was known to her family, was born in Portland, Maine, and boasted of being one of the "Munjoy Hill" kids. Having grown up Roman Catholic in Portland, following attending Jack Junior, she attended Cathedral High School, graduating in 1955. Following high school, Janet attended Gorham Normal School or the "Teacher's College" in 1959 and taught middle school and junior high grade math for thirty- five years in Walpole, Massachusetts.

Among her many attributes, Janet will be remembered for her loyal love of family, her tough and spirited independence, her generosity, and last but not least, her quick wit and engaging sense of humor. Up until the end of her life, she had a gift for bringing people together in a spirit of cooperation tempered with a sense of fun.

She was predeceased by her parents, Victor P. O'Connell, (born Portland, Maine) and Emily J. King O'Connell, (born in Manchester, New Hampshire) who resided in Portland, Maine, and her brother, Robert L. O'Connell, Sr., USN, Ret., of Scarborough, Maine.

She is survived by her nieces and nephew and their families: Janet O. Pierce, her husband, Daniel C. Pierce, their children, Samuel C. Pierce and Madison L. Pierce; Elizabeth A. O'Connell, her husband, Stephen L. Harding, their children, Sarah M. Cunningham and Anthony S. Harding; Mary M. O'Connell, her spouse, Mary Ann Mancini; Judith L. Adler, her husband, Timothy Adler, and their daughter, Emily L. Adler; Jaqueline A. Sawtelle, her husband Scott Sawtelle, and their son, Benjamin A. Sawtelle; and Robert L. O'Connell, Jr., his wife, Christina O'Connell and their son, Decan R. O'Connell; by two grand-nephews: Cameron C. Cunningham and Ethan A. Harding; and by her sisters-in-law, Sylvia St. Cyr O'Connell and Priscilla G. O'Connell, who provided much support, caring and love during her long illness.

With a deep sense of gratitude and love Janet's family, especially her nieces and nephew, would like to also thank our cousin, Aynne Doil, who selflessly provided steadfast care, kindness, friendship and love to our Aunt.

Additionally, we, her family, would like to offer their genuine appreciation for the kindness, care and compassion with which Janet and her family were cared for during Janet's illness and passing by the staff at Osher Inn, Southern Maine Hospice and Lines to Home.

Janet loved her big Irish family ... we were the center of her life. It was a life well lived and her family will miss her very much.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Southern Maine, or the Osher Inn at Cedars in her honor would be greatly appreciated. On-Line Condolences can be given to family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.