Ellen O’Connell

February 19, 1940 - March 14, 2022

Ellen Ford O’Connell, 82, an 8th generation Californian, passed away peacefully at her home in Corsicana, Texas on March 14, 2022.

Ellen was born in Bakersfield, California on February 19, 1940, to Robert and Barbara Ford. She graduated from Dominican High School in San Rafael, CA in 1957, attended Sweet Briar College, and married Gerald P. O’Connell in May 1963. Ellen and Gerry enjoyed 35 years of marriage in Daly City, and together they raised 2 children who survive them, Sean Philip O’Connell (Susan Mack) and Erin O’Connell-Simqu (Blaise Simqu), as well as her beloved niece and “other daughter” Sophie O’Neal.

Ellen also is survived by her brothers and sisters Philip Ford, Victoria Ford, Janet Ford, and Rob Ford.

Being raised in an “oil family,” Ellen lived and traveled all over the world, including many cities in CA, TX, OK, Caracas, Venezuela, and the south of France. Her passion for travel continued into adulthood as she traveled nationally and internationally with her beloved husband Gerry, family, and friends. Ellen’s “happy place” was Ireland, where she loved spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed collecting books, rocks and gems, bird figurines, and jewelry.

Ellen loved being with her children, grandchildren Cameron and Haleigh O’Connell, Isabelle and William Simqu, Jennifer Thomson and Jaime Ivy, and Rose O’Neal, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins (no matter how far removed), and close friends nurtured over a lifetime. She lived a full life and will be missed by many.

Ellen is preceded in death by husband Gerald O’Connell, brother Richard Ford, parents Robert and Barbara Ford, and step granddaughter Julie Ivy.

There will be no funeral service at this time. A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held with family and friends in San Francisco at a later date. Donations in Ellen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or Hospice Plus of Athens, TX www.hospiceplus.net would be welcomed in lieu of flowers.