Catherine Muriel O'Connell

Catherine Muriel O’Connell, 100, passed away on May 24, 2024 after a short illness. She was predeceased by her loving husband, James Joseph (Buddy) O’Connell, to whom she was married for 66 years. Loving mother of Karen and her husband Joseph Maturo of East Haven, Jay O’Connell and his wife Claudia of Cheshire, and the late Robert O’Connell and his wife Ellen.  Grandmother of Kathleen (Justin) Roehm, Meredith (Jon) Szynalski, Matthew (Jessica) O’Connell, Ryan (Samantha) Mingrone and David Mingrone. And, the highlight of her life, great-grandmother to Lenora, Montgomery, Colton, Robert, Eloise, Henryk, Lukas, Kylie, Cambree, and Myla. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Rosina Moran Visel, and her brother Charles Visel.

Catherine, known to all as Muriel, was born on February 7, 1924 in New Haven and was a lifelong resident of Hamden. Muriel was creative in everything she did and carried that skill to her career, where she worked as a floral designer at Flowerland in North Haven and Gloria’s in Milford. Muriel was an avid and successful gardener. She, along with her husband, was a member of the B.P.O.E #2224 of Hamden. They were also long-time members of a bowling group. They loved traveling with their group of friends and family vacations on the Cape and later Block Island. She enjoyed the casinos and her scratch offs. She was known for throwing a good party, and most importantly, taking care of all those around her. Catherine’s family would like to give special thanks to Anne, Kim, and Teresa for their tender care and love while taking care of their mother.

Friends may visit with her family at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN from 9:00-10:30 a.m. on Friday May 31st. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s Church in Hamden at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial in All Saints Cemetery.