O’Connell, Mary E.
Of West Yarmouth, MA previously of Arlington MA, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the age of 95. Beloved daughter of the late Denis C. O’Connell and Elizabeth G. (Coughlin). Loving sister of the late Kathleen O’Connell, Eileen O’Connell, Elizabeth O’Connell, Margaret O’Connell, Anne Louise O’Connell, Arthur O’Connell and James O’Connell. Also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as many loving and devoted friends.
From her earliest memories Mary longed to be a teacher, in an era when only sons were sent to college. This influenced her choice to become a nun in a Catholic teaching order. She got the education she needed to reach her goal and taught as a nun for many years. After she left the convent, Mary taught in the Lexington Public Schools until she retired.
Sober in Alcoholics Anonymous for many years, Mary helped countless newcomers to AA. Getting into recovery was life changing for Mary and fueled her spiritual life. In her recovery work she became involved in a local Insight Meditation Group. During a period of several years when it faltered Mary kept it going and the group continues to this day.
Mary had a way of attracting all sorts of people and often took them under her wing. She had a piercing intelligence, read widely and loved to talk politics, preferably over breakfast, her favorite meal. She was spunky and was known to challenge the order of things. Mary will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Mary’s life is being planned for September.