Jane Marie (Perron) O’Connell, 63, of Bradford, passed away May 11, surrounded by those whom she loved, and who loved her most. She lived with a particularly debilitating form of Multiple Sclerosis for more than 30 years.
O’Connell was born June 3, 1952, alongside her twin sister, Anne (Perron) Bowen, her best friend for life. A North Andover native, growing up, she attended St. Michael’s, and later North Andover High School. She also attended Castle and Northern Essex Community College. O’Connell loved animals growing up, specifically her Standard Poodle named Cammy. In 1975, she married John B. O’Connell, with whom she celebrated 41 years of marriage this past January. John and Jane made their home in North Andover, and later Bradford. The two have three sons, Daniel Matthew, Christopher Brian and John Patrick Ryan “Jack.” As a mother, she loved cooking, and spending time playing with her young children in their back yard. In particular, sledding, swimming and watching the boys develop into considerably talented hockey players made her most happy. She enjoyed bringing the boys to Disney World, and spending summer vacations at Big Island Pond and Salisbury Beach. She was also a C.C.D. teacher at Sacred Hearts Parish, and worked in human resources at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital.
O’Connell was predeceased by her father, George Perron, and mother, Marie (Tela) Perron: mother-in-law Claire (Fox) O’Connell; father-in-law Maurice “Moxie” O’Connell; sister-in-law Mary Ellen Mahoney; and her very special and beloved dog of 13 years, Sugar. She is survived by husband John B. O’Connell of Bradford; sons Daniel and wife Audrey, of Natick, Christopher of Sewell, N.J., and wife Nicola, and Jack and wife Alison, of South Hampton, N.H.; sisters Ellie Schorrman and husband Tedd, and Anne Bowen and husband John; brother-in-law John Mahoney; three grandchildren, Owen Moxie, Clancy Grey, and Porter Rose; devoted friend Dayan Wilmo; nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Life Celebration Sunday, May 15, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill, MA. A private memorial service for close family will take place at a later date.