Obituary of Mary M. O'Connell

Mary M. (Horrigan) O’Connell, 95 Limerick

Mary M. (Horrigan) O’Connell, 95, of Limerick, widow of the late Dr. Robert L. O’Connell, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at Phoenixville Hospital.

Born on February 23, 1930, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Mary was the daughter of the late John Horrigan and Madeline (Rauen) Horrigan. She graduated from Central Catholic High School, studied at Chestnut Hill College, and earned a degree in Home Economics from Penn State University. Following graduation, she worked as a Home Economist for General Electric, demonstrating appliances and cooking on television. In 1952, Mary married Robert, beginning a life-long partnership rooted in faith, family and love. Together they raised their nine children in the Pottstown area. Her family was the center of her life. She loved time spent at the Jersey Shore, cherished her children and grandchildren, and was an avid card player fondly known as a “card shark.”

A woman of deep faith and generosity, Mary served as a bereavement minister and bible study leader at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish and volunteered at St. Mary’s Shelter in Phoenixville. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and attentiveness to others.

Mary is survived by her eight children: Margaret Starcevic (Michael), John O’Connell, Christopher O’Connell (Carol), Maureen Pence (Scott), Timothy O’Connell (Terri), Ellen Tubbs (Michael), Mary Claire Ragan (Joseph), and Kathleen DeMutis; her daughter-in-law, Laurie O’Connell; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert L. O’Connell; her son, Robert O’Connell; and her siblings Richard Horrigan and Margaret Connolly.

She is also survived by her siblings and siblings-in-law: John F. Horrigan; Dolores Horrigan; Theresa Montgomery; Michael Connolly; Madeline Horrigan; Sue and Bud Ozar; and Michael Horrigan.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Teresa of Calcutta Church, 256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish or to Friends of Kenyan Orphans, 18640 Mack Ave., Suite 1294, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236. Arrangements are entrusted to R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.