Obituary of Margaret Bishop O'Connell

O’Connell, Margaret Bishop (Clawson) – The death of Margaret O’Connell, 90, formerly of 232 Roderick Row, occurred at the Turnbull Home, Saint John on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick April 5, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Janet (Currie) Clawson. She was the wife of the late George Franklin O’Connell, Q.C. Marg was born and raised in the city of Saint John. In her youth she enjoyed hiking, swimming, skiing and skating in Rockwood Park and summering in Pamdenac. She graduated from Saint John High School in 1938. Marg worked for several years before marrying George in 1942. When her husband was injured in the war she moved to Newfoundland to be near him. They returned to Saint John when the war ended to start a family. After raising three boys, Marg found time for herself and received great pleasure playing golf with the "Niners" at Westfield Golf and Country Club and bridge with her friends and neighbours. After 56 cherished years on Roderick Row, Marg moved to the Chateau Champlain where she enjoyed her friends and social activities. Her final months were in the sanctuary of the Turnbull Home where she received unsurpassed care and attention. The focus of Marg’s life was her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved family gatherings and celebrations. Marg had many close childhood friends whom she kept throughout her life. Always quick to smile and laugh, Marg had a great sense of humour and loved a good joke. Marg loved dogs. The pets throughout her life were very special to her. She was predeceased by her parents, brother William, husband George, two infant children, Michael and Patricia, son William, and daughter-in-law Anne (MacKinnon). She is survived by sons Robert (Jo-Anne) of Grand Bay-Westfield, James (Beth) of Saint John, and four grandchildren, Katie and Tom of Grand Bay-Westfield, Jenny and William of Saint John. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting Monday, August 15 from 2-4 and 7-9. The funeral service will be held from Brenan’s Chapel Tuesday, August 16 at 12:00pm. Interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the N.B. Heart and Stroke Foundation, Animal Rescue League or the charity of the donor’s choice.