99 died peacefully on March 21, 2016 in Fairview Heights, IL.
Peggy was born on February 7, 1917 in St. Louis, MO to Ellen Bourke (from County Tipperary, Ireland) and John McGinness (from Greenville, IL). Peggy married Bill O’Connell on August 21, 1942 in Durham North Carolina and was happily married to him until his death in 1970. She always said she married the right man the first time and never remarried.
Peggy worked as a secretary for years and especially loved her time at Webster University and St. Louis University as she was surrounded by young people. Throughout her long life, Peggy valued family and friends and her well deserved position as the beloved matriarch of the O’Connell family. She remained curious and friendly; enjoying travel, writing, music, and architecture. And according to her, she “never had an ache or a pain.” Her family will dearly miss her spark, her wit, and her indomitable spirit.
Peggy is survived by her daughters, Joan (Mike), Katie (Tom), and Pat (Dale); her grandchildren, Kelly, Kate, Colleen, Courtney, John, Sean, Colleen, Erin, and Maura, and her great-grandchildren, Trinity, Tatum, Ryan, Jane, McKenzie, Matthew, Caroline, Santiago, and Alejandro.
Services: Visitation at Annunciation Catholic Church in Webster Groves, MO on Wednesday, March 23, 9 a.m. until funeral service at 10 a.m. with a reception at Annunciation Church following the commital service at Resurrection Cemetery. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Peggy’s full and loved-filled life. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Annunciation Catholic Church, Family Hospice of Belleville, or Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fairview Heights, IL, Kutis Affton Service.