Patricia Ann Oconnell

OCONNELL, PATRICIA nee BERKY born January 17, 1936 in Astoria, NY. Went to a two room schoolhouse in Oakdale in the early 40’s, grew up in Bellmore. Graduated from Hunter College with a BA degree and obtained her teaching license. Married Matthew OConnell June 1st 1957 and was the mother of Michael Francis (deceased), Terry Ann (deceased), Matthew Michael and Nancy Oconnell. Pat’s sister Pamela Bluss resides in Virginia. She taught 3 years at the Herricks School District and then for 4 years at Southwest elementary in Bayshore. She Was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Patricks in Smithtown and then St. Thomas More in Hauppauge. She belonged to the columbiettes for many years. She taught religious education and formed a 4H group. She later opened a craft store in Ronkonkoma on Hawkins Avenue. After one year she moved to a larger store on Portion Road. She quickly outgrew that and moved twice more in the same shopping center. She added ceramics, becoming a certified Duncan dealer and wholesaler. She taught both Adult and children classes in both crafts and ceramics. When forced to move by the onerous new lease she did craft shows for the next 10 years. Pat spent the last 3 years in a nursing home and was finally able to come home this past February, just before the lockdown. She passed away May 8th with both Nancy and Matt by her bedside. She will be buried at Calverton National Cemetery. A mass and memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers Donations could be made to St. Thomas More Parish Outreach in Hauppauge.