Mary O'Connell (née Gaughan), age 88, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, went to be with Jesus in His eternal home on February 7, 2026.

She was the devoted mother of Maryellen Ramsey, Christine Arnold (Bruce), John O'Connell (Supalak), and Michael O'Connell (Pamela). She was the loving Nana of Elijah and Joshua Arnold, and Sullivan Anne and Olive Mary O'Connell.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, her best friend and the love of her life. She was also predeceased by her children, John Patrick and Patricia Ann; her brother, Patrick Gaughan; her sister, Eileen Sullivan; and her son-in-law, David Ramsey.

Among Mary's greatest blessings was her cherished friendship of more than 40 years with Nancy Presby. They lovingly called one another "sisters," a bond built on laughter, faith, and unwavering support.

Mary was born on May 19, 1937, in New York City to Patrick and Ellen Gaughan. She and Jack met as teenagers and married in 1957. They shared a deep love and devotion to one another, as demonstrated by their continued renewal of marriage vows and the simple joy of still holding hands.

They formed many lasting friendships through their involvement with Marriage Encounter, a faith-based marriage enrichment ministry they faithfully supported throughout their lives. In 1977, they relocated to Michigan and made their home in Farmington Hills, where they raised their children and later enjoyed many years of retirement in Venice, Florida.

Mary had a love for adventure and exploring new places, including Ireland; Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Rome; Hawaii; and Alaska. Following Jack's death in 2016, Mary returned to Michigan to be near her children and grandchildren.

Mary was a devoted Catholic who lived her life in humble faith and dedicated service to others. She was a stay-at-home mother for many years and later worked for the Sisters of Mercy and the Diocese of Venice. She had a servant's heart and found great purpose in caring for others.

She volunteered in hospice care, with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and in local nursing homes, where she not only led exercise classes but also built friendships. She sat beside the sick and brought comfort simply through her presence. Her kindness was quiet but powerful, and the lives she touched were forever changed by her gentle compassion.

Mary's smile lit up every room she entered, and she had a rare gift for turning strangers into friends. Her genuine compassion drew people in effortlessly. She always made time to listen with empathy and understanding. She was everyone's biggest cheerleader — encouraging, uplifting, and believing in others even when they struggled to believe in themselves.

She leaves behind a space that cannot be filled and will be deeply, deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Catholic Charities.