O’Connell, Janet M. (nee Imhoff)

O’Connell, Janet M. (nee Imhoff)

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Beloved wife of Tom O’Connell; devoted mother of Beth (Eric) Lauver, Tom Jr. (Bridget), and Brian (Stephanie); cherished grandmother of Shane, Jack, Quinn, Patrick, Lucas, and Caleb O’Connell and Christopher, Michael, Alex, and Matthew Lauver; dear sister of Mary Ann and Gerry (Leah) Imhoff; dear sister-in-law of Vince (Jane), Steve (Sharon), the late Phil (Patti), John (Mary Jo), and Dan (Marge); aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Janet was born on May 24, 1956 to the late Lloyd and Doris (Neels) Imhoff. A proud lifelong St. Louisan, Janet never lived more than a few blocks from the nearest parish church, in childhood at Ascension in Normandy and St. Catherine Laboure in Sappington, early married years at St. James the Greater in Dogtown and St. Dominic Savio in Affton, family life at St. Margaret Mary in South County, and most recently at St. Peter in Kirkwood, making faith-filled friendships all along the way.  This nearness to the sacraments was of utmost importance to her, and helped foster the passion she and Tom shared for Catholic education. Janet was a proud graduate of Cor Jesu Academy, and remained close to “the girls” from the class of 1974.

Janet loved growing up in a large, close-knit extended family, with more cousins than she could count in both St. Louis and central Missouri. Learning from her mom and aunts how to plan a feast for any occasion, she fit right in with the boisterous O’Connell clan, and relished the chance to pass on the fun traditions that come with big family gatherings.

If something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. Janet proudly brought her attention to detail to everything she undertook. Whether it was coordinating a keepsake ornament for a class Christmas party, wrangling a field trip for the Cub Scout den, or just keeping favorite snacks and drinks on hand for the endless trail of teenagers who were always welcome at our house, she made everything special. She planned annual family vacations, almost always to a different destination, and often involving stops in multiple cities so that we could squeeze in as many memories and adventures as possible. Owning a house in the country – and horses, no less – were never her dream, but once she embraced it as another fun project, and saw that it could truly become a second home where she and Tom could spend cherished time together and create a fun hub for gathering family and friends, she was all in, down to the well-worn cowboy boots.

Perhaps her greatest joy was being not just a grandma, but a fun grandma. From knowing everyone’s favorite homemade cookie, to hikes in the woods, sitting on the tree swing, water gun fights, float trips, hide and seek, pop-a-shot, board games, puzzles, trips to Grant’s Farm, reading stories, fishing, Ted Drewes, building sand castles, splashing in the ocean, THE red cake, and best of all, back scratches and snuggles, all of grandma’s boys know they will be loved and cherished for eternity. She loved telling anyone who would listen that yes, she really did have ten grandchildren, yes, they really are all boys, yes, six of them really did come in one year, and no, she wouldn’t want it any other way. She had the tremendous blessing of absolute contentment with her life, only regretting that she wouldn’t have more time with her boys.

Tom and Janet built their family life around their faith. Though we will all miss her terribly, we trust that Jesus is welcoming her with open arms and thank you all for lifting up her and us in your continued prayers.

We would also like to thank the staff at both the Pratt Cancer Center and Siteman Cancer Center for their care and compassion over the past two and a half years.

Services: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois, Sunday July 20, 3:00-8:00 PM; funeral mass Monday July 21 10:00 AM at St, Peter Catholic Church (243 W Argonne Dr.  63122). Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cor Jesu Academy are greatly appreciated. (https://www.corjesu.org/support/give-now)