Obituary of Jacqueline J. "Jackie" O'Connell

O'Connell, Jacqueline J. "Jackie" of Saginaw, Michigan at the age of 79. Beloved mother, grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully with her family by her beside on Monday, March 5, 2018 at Wellspring Lutheran Services in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Jacqueline Jeanne Reeder was born on February 18, 1939 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Bernard and Elda (Davis) Reeder. She graduated Arthur Hill High School in 1957 and married the love of her life, George "Tony" Anthony O'Connell on October 31, 1959 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Zilwaukee, Michigan. Tony preceded her in death on June 29, 2017 after 57 years of marriage. Her parents also preceded her; daughter, Kolleen "Kokie" O'Connell; and brother, Bernard Reeder III. Jackie was an excellent cook, a gifted artist, and always supported her family's athletic endeavors. Her home was a refuge for immediate and extended family. She encouraged all of us to work hard in our studies, and in her parenting, as in her life, she was kind, humble, and loving. She was employed as a pharmacy technician for 15 years at Valley Drugs in Carrollton, Michigan; in her spare time, she enjoyed scratch-offs, gardening, canning, traveling and caring for her loved dogs and cats. Above all, she cherished her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren. Surviving Jackie are her two daughters and one son: Kelly (Richard) Ahrens of Saginaw, MI; Kathy (John) Stults of Redwood City, CA; and Patrick (Amy) O'Connell of Hudson, OH. Four grandchildren: Jamie (Stephen) Casey of Spring Valley, OH; Daniel Ahrens and his girlfriend, Amanda DePelsMaeker of Midland, MI; and Nolan O'Connell and Kiley O'Connell of Hudson, OH. One sister, Dianne (Gary) Hackett; sister-in-law Johanna Reeder; cousin Elda Steele; and many extended family members and friends. FUNERAL: A memorial service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. A luncheon will follow after the memorial service around 2:00 p.m. at the Trillium Banquet Center, 6415 State St. Honoring Jackie's wishes, cremation has taken place. Her ashes will be interred next to Tony's at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy may donate in Jackie's memory to the Amazing Grace Animal Rescue or the March of Dimes. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.