Jane M. Connell, 88 of Newport, RI passed away unexpectedly and peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. She was the wife of the late John J. Okie Connell.
Jane was born on December 15th, 1929 in Newport, RI and was the daughter of the late Emil and May Anderson. She was a graduate of St. Catherine’s Academy of Newport and Bryant College.
Jane led a very fulfilled life in Newport, which was dedicated to her late husband, of 60 years, John Okie Connell and their nine children. She enjoyed time at the beach where she was an active member of Gooseberry Beach and Hazberry for over 50 years. Her love of children attracted her to work as an aid in the Newport School Department. She also enjoyed her ladies tripoly card parties, vacations, and many family get togethers. You would always find Mom sitting at the kitchen table with one of her many visitors.
Jane is now reunited with her husband, Okie, and her daughter, Christine Connell. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to many.
She leaves behind her 3 sons, John Connell of Portsmouth, Michael and Dennis Connell of Newport and 5 daughters, Jane Full of Newport, Linda Closter of Block Island, Patty Bestoso and Mimi Cheever of Warren and Cindy Macioci of Middletown. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 3-6 pm at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 at St. Augustin’s Church, Carroll Avenue, Newport at 1 pm. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Brown’s Lane, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Augustin’s Church, 2 Eastnor Road, Newport, RI 02840 by visiting www.staugustinnewport.weshareonline.org or to your favorite charity.
