Marjorie J O'Connell
Marjorie J. “Marge” O’Connell age 87 of Menomonie,
Passed away Monday September 14, 2009 at her home surrounded by family who’s love she could feel.
Marge was born March 19, 1922 in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Fred and Eva (Sommars) Morrison. When she was a young child she moved with her family to Menomonie where she grew up and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1940. In 1941 Marge married B. F. “Budge” O’Connell. Due to tough times and sparse jobs during that period in our history they moved to Cleveland where Budge could find work in the steel mills. It was in Cleveland their first child Terrance “Terry” was born. When Terry was seven months old they returned to Menomonie where they lived the remainder of their lives. Two daughters joined the family as the years went on, Jacquline “Jacque” and Linda.
Mom was feisty and determined from an early age. That’s probably why she became the first “paper-girl” Menomonie has ever seen. She was a hard worker from that point forward. She and Dad ran a TV sales business for years and they remained working together side by side as they started Com-Tel which brought cable TV to Menomonie. At day’s end she still had the energy to be an avid golfer. She and Budge enjoyed many hours on courses both here and at their winter home is Sarasota, FL. In later years her pride and joy was a large flower garden outside her sunroom windows. She loved to look out at it and wander around it. Her favorite flowers were "Kiss-Me" and she loved to watch them blow in the breeze. The birds that visited her bird bath were also a delight to her.
Marge was a strong, loving and an unassuming woman. She was always upbeat and able to help other through tough times. She loved and was loved by so many friends. She met each of life’s challenges head on. When a stroke in 1995 took all of her speech she spent hours and month learning to speak again and never totally gave up practicing. She was a warm woman with a wonderful sense of humor that remained until the day she left us.
Marge leaves behind her children, Terrance of Chippewa Falls; Jacque and Linda both of Menomonie; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jeff) Kane-Mercer; Dennis (Carol) Tape; Tim Tape; her great granddaughter, Brooke Tape; a sister-in-law, Hess Morrison. She also leaves behind, her nieces Kay (Randy) Sommerfield; Marsha (Dean) Moats; Debbie (Jeff) Buckli; nephew Don (Judith) Morrison and great nieces and nephews. While nieces Jill and Jenny were actually great nieces, they also viewed her as their second grandma. So many friends will miss her too including, Emmett, Tiff and his family and grandkids; Rosie and Bill; Carrie, Linda, Ben and Marlene, Marie and too many more to mention.
We are happy to know she will be greeted in heaven by all her loved ones that have past before her, Dad, Grandpa & Grandma; sister, Pauline “Pudgie”, brothers, Roy “Red” and
Earl “Morrie”; aunts, uncles, cousins, Jeanine, Ellen and and numerous friends will be there to greet her.
I know Mom would like to thank all the nurses, staff and Dr. Wagner at Luther Hospital for making her last days as comfortable as they could. They were gentle, kind and at all times gave her the respect she deserved. We as a family thank them too.
Our hearts break that you aren’t here with us Mom but know we’re happy you’re at peace and out of pain. Also know you’ll remain alive forever in our hearts and memory. Hope the greens in heaven are kind to you! Tell everyone hi from us.