O’CONNELL, Michael Glace Bay

Our hearts are forever broken as we grieve the passing of our amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to each person who had the opportunity to meet him. We know you have a memory to share as his love for life was infectious. The O’Connell’s are unique and Mike had the unique way to make any person around him feel special. He was so special to us. Our lives have changed forever. On December 19, 2020, Michael Thomas O’Connell passed away at the age of 73 years. In 1947, Michael was born and raised in Glace Bay to the late Elizabeth (Gouthro) and Michael O’Connell. At the age of 17, Michael met his love Mary (MacPhee) and married in 1967. They lived together almost inseparable for over 55 years. Together, they built a world around them. Mike and Mary raised and loved dearly their children, Michael (Moe) O’Connell (Shannon Sakurai), Vancouver, Lori (Philip) O’Neill, Glace Bay, Grant O’Connell, Vancouver. Poppy cherished his grandchildren, Chad O’Neill, Aimee O’Neill, Glace Bay, and Caleb O’Connell, Vancouver. Michael worked for Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board, Maintenance Department, for 49 years, with Glace Bay Elementary most recent upon retirement, 49 years came with many friendships, laughs and morning outings with some of his closest friends. If you had an opportunity to meet Michael during those years you were fortunate and you have a story to tell. His work was complete with a smile and a laugh. Another joy in his life was his years as a driving instructor/owner of Glace Bay Driving School. Michael watched generations of families come through his door. He made a connection with each new driver and always had a story to connect one family to another. He was so proud to assist students both young and old to become successful drivers. Dad had patience which was so much part of who he was as a person. Michael’s exceptional personality, humour, and work ethic allowed his business to thrive into 30 plus years of memories. Family meant so much to Mike. He was fortunate to be surrounded by many brothers and sisters. Left to mourn are brothers, Francis (Ruth) O’Connell, Leo ( Judy), Glace Bay, Ray (Halifax); sisters, Marie, Glace Bay, Cathy (Frank), Halifax, Rose (Glace Bay); sister-inlaw, Linda O’Connell and Mary O’Connell; brother-in-law, Johnny Helle. Mike enjoyed the company of his extended family, Bob MacPhee, Truro, Joe (Denise) MacPhee, Arizona, Kenny (Donna) MacPhee, Frenchvale, Brian (Wilma) MacPhee, Glace Bay, Dianne Metcalfe, Halifax, Debbie Rennie, Kitchener, Sandra (Glen) MacDonald, Glace Bay, Mariette MacPhee, Sydney. Da had many nieces and nephews who were part of his conversations throughout life. His nieces and nephews will hold a special place in his heart. Besides his parents, Michael was saddened by predeceased son, Mark O’Connell (infancy); brothers, Dan Joe, John Blaise, and Adrian; sisters, Carol Helle and Patsy Braille; brothers-in-law, Jerome Kelly, Brian Braille, and Doug MacPhee; sisters-in-law, Tina MacPhee, and Joanne MacPhee. Mike lived an honest life. His life was simple and pure with having very few wants. He quietly gave when others were in need. Can you take one page from Mike’s book? Following one of Mike’s leads will make our world a better place. Take care of each other. He enjoyed any time spent with friends and family. This time may have been on the Mira River, over a coffee, or sitting in his garage. He was happiest when he knew the people around him were happy. Forever Remembered!! Celebration of Mike’s life will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at St. Anne’s Parish, Main St. Glace Bay. The public are asked to stay in their cars while the family are taken to their seats. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are mandatory. Seats are limited. Interment to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Glace Bay Food Bank or Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to T.J.Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, (902-849- 4199). Expressions of sympathy are sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.