Edith (Bubbles) O'Connel

Bubbles was born January 9, 1921, in Faribault, MN. She grew up in Marshall, MN and graduated from Marshall High School. In 1943 Bubbles graduated from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN with a B.S. in Chemistry. After working for almost two years for Dr. Van Cleve in Wichita, KS, Bubbles joined the American Red Cross to help with the World War II effort. She served 11 months in Manila, The Philippines, as a supervisor at the Roosevelt Club. This is where she met a friend from Marshall, MN, Dick O’Connell. In 1946, Bubbles returned to the USA and became a Chemistry Professor at the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN. On April 17, 1948, Bubbles married Dick O’Connell, Jr. in Marshall, MN. Bubbles was active in the Catholic Daughters of America, American Legion Auxiliary, American Association of University Women, Meals on Wheels, Good Thoughts Study Club, Camp Fire Girls, and numerous bridge clubs. She also worked at Easy Street (women’s fashions) and Elan. Bubbles will be remembered for her love for her family, her friends, her wisdom, and kindness. Bubbles passed away on June 2, 2008 at St. Therese Care Center in New Hope, MN. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard E. “Dick” O’Connell, Jr. She is survived by her five children: Richard E. O’Connell, III of Tulsa, OK, Peggy (William) Roush of Plymouth, MN, Betsy (Raymond) Kasenga of Munster, IN, Thomas (Susan) O’Connell of Lincoln, NE, and Mickey (Bruce) Erickson of Bloomington, MN; grandchildren: Richard (Leslie) O’Connell, IV, Megan (Nick) Zanger, Bryan Roush, Matthew Kasenga, Joseph Kasenga, Sean O’Connell, Shannon O’Connell, Travis O’Connell, Reed Erickson, Grant Erickson, and Cole Erickson; great-granddaughter, Erin O’Connell; and sister Dorthy Sheridan. Memorials may be made to St. Therese Foundation, 8000 Bass Lake Road, New Hope, MN 55428.