Virginia Frances O'Connell

Virginia “Ginny” Frances O'Connell (née Meehan) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at the age of 91. Virginia was born in Brooklyn, NY and was a local resident of Danville, CA for over 25 years.

While roller skating in Brooklyn, NY at the age of 18, Virginia met the man of her dreams, Daniel O'Connell. Virginia attended Notre Dame College of Staten Island, NY, and Daniel attended Brooklyn College in New York City. In 1956, they moved from Brooklyn, NY to New London, CT. After briefly living in Hartford, they moved to Enfield, CT in 1958 to raise a family of six children. In Enfield, Virginia taught fifth grade at St. Joseph School. In 1974, the family moved to Concord, California.

After moving to CA, Virginia worked at UA Local 342's Steamfitter Apprenticeship Program in Concord, CA. As a retiree, Virginia volunteered over 15 years at the Senior Center in Danville, CA as well as being a member and former president of the Danville Women’s Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and dining out with wonderful friends. For many years, Virginia was an active parish member of St. Isidore Catholic Church in Danville; she participated in their many fundraising activities for their school as well as the community groups helping others.

Virginia was a compassionate, kind, and loving person by encouraging and helping her family as well as many people throughout her lifetime. Amongst her many talents and skills, she was an avid reader, and she enjoyed completing the NY Times Crossword Puzzle and beating her children at Scrabble.

Virginia is predeceased by her beloved husband Daniel O’Connell; her brother Raymond Meehan; her loving parents, Virginia and Raymond Meehan of Long Island, NY; and her loving sons, Dennis O'Connell and son-in-law Howard Herrold of Concord, CA. Virginia is survived by her eldest son Daniel O'Connell and Susan of New Britain, CT; Douglas O'Connell and Suzi of Bonita Springs, Florida; Marlene O'Connell (wife of Dennis) of Concord, CA; Diane Mikich and Steve of Concord, CA; Debi-Ann Herrold of Concord, CA; and Donald O'Connell of Palo Cedro, CA. There are many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren residing in California as well as residing in states as far east as Connecticut. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law Patricia Meehan and her beloved nieces and nephew of New York.

The family would like to thank the Montecito Oakmont Assisted Living team in Concord, CA as well as the Health Flex Hospice team, all who graciously and lovingly attended to our mom's care.

Virginia O'Connell's memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11 AM at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church located at 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, CA. There will be an immediate burial at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery at 1965 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA. Following, the family welcomes Virginia's friends to a gathering in Walnut Creek, CA. The location and time will be provided on the day of service.

We will miss our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother forever more. We are so very blessed that Virginia was in our lives and grateful beyond words.