Bridget T. O'Connell

Bridget Theresa (McManus) O’Connell, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on July 2, 2026, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Bridget was born on February 10, 1933, in Blacklion, County Cavan, Ireland, to John McManus and Kate McGuire. She was the only daughter and had three brothers.

At the age of 16, Bridget moved to the United States in search of new opportunities. Her courage, determination, and selflessness allowed her to build a better life for herself and her family. She sent most of her earnings back to Ireland, helping her family to purchase a new farm and home. Bridget loved her new country and became a proud American (“These wonderful United States of America”), but her love for Ireland and the people there never faded. 

Bridget met and married the love of her life, Richard O’Connell, in New York. Together they raised 11 children: Cathleen, Eileen, Mary, Richard, Jackie, Noreen, Michael, John, Colleen, James, and Kerry.

She was an exceptional mother—always kind, compassionate, generous, and devoted to her family. Later, she joyfully embraced the role of “Granny” to her 25 grandchildren. She loved and inspired each of them and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and special.

During their 63 years of marriage, Bridget and Richard became members of the Pioneer Association and enjoyed attending Irish dances together. Bridget loved dancing, laughing, and taking trips to Friendly’s for ice cream with her grandchildren. She was also known for making sure no one ever left her kitchen hungry.

Bridget is survived by her ten children: Cathleen (Nick), Eileen (Kevin), Mary (Andrew), Richard (Gi), Jackie, Noreen (Patrick), Michael (Colleen), John (Kim), Colleen (John), and Kerry; her 25 grandchildren: Kevin, Ashley, Nicholas, Tara, Michael, Sean, Megan, Shannon, Andrew, Emily, Daniel, Daniel, Katherine, Deirdre, Caitlin, Shane, Michael, Bridget, Erin, Bridget, Kerry, Ryan, Ash, Danielle, and Brendan; and her five great-grandchildren: Cian, Maisie, Vincent, Aleena, and Scarlett.

In addition to her parents and brothers, Bridget was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard O’Connell, and her son, James O’Connell.