Catherine D. (Russell) O’Connell, 71 of Worcester passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17 in Saint Vincent Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She leaves her husband of 48 years, Denis A. O’Connell; four children, Elizabeth A. O’Connell and her fiance, Andrew Marc-Aurele of Leicester, Denis J. O’Connell and his wife, Lindsay of Marblehead, Brian D. O’Connell and his wife, Marcy of Worcester and Dr. Bridget M. D’Onofrio and her husband, Bill of Paxton; six grandchildren, Liliana, Liam, Maeve, Emma, Nathaniel and Rocco; two sisters, Mary Sheehan of East Bridgewater and Dori Lagerstedt of Marshfield and many nieces and nephews. A brother, David Russell and a sister, Debbie Russell predeceased her. She was born in Brockton, a daughter of Frederick and Doris (Prouty) Russell. Cathy was a proud graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School and Saint Vincent School of Nursing.

Catherine worked as a registered nurse for many years. She started her career at Saint Vincent Hospital and then moved on to Fairlawn Hospital. She then went on to work as an industrial nurse at Heald Machine Company and Thom McCann Company. She retired early due to her illness, but never gave up her license and continued to maintain her certifications in a field she so loved. Cathy was a member of the Central Mass MS Society, The Saint Vincent Nurses Alumni Association, and a longtime time active member of Saint Joan of Arc Parish. Cathy was a loving mother and devoted wife throughout her life. She was an unrelenting supporter of her husband throughout his teaching and coaching career. Cathy was proud of the many accomplishments of her children and encouraged them every step of the way. She always put her family first and instilled great values in her children which will be passed on to her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Family and friends will honor and remember Cathy’s life by gathering for calling hours on Sunday, August 20 from 2:00 to 5:00PM at the CALLAHAN, FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. A Funeral Mass will held Monday, August 21 at 10:00AM Saint Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Greater New England 101A First Avenue, Waltham, 02451 or to Saint Joan of Arc Church.