Sister M. Michele O’Connell, PBVM

Sister M. Michele O’Connell, PBVM (nee Brigid) entered eternal life on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022 at the Presentation Motherhouse in San Francisco. She had celebrated her 100th birthday on

St. Patrick’s Day a month earlier. On that occasion the president of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, sent a letter of his personal congratulations and good wishes, noting the remarkable changes in lifestyles, technological developments, and in Ireland itself that Sister Michele had witnessed in her lifetime.

Sister Michele was born in County Clare, Ireland, to Michael and Mary O’Connell. She came to San Francisco to join the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM), taking final vows in 1955. She was a faithful Sister for 72 years. Sister Michele leaves a sister, Teresa Hagarty, plus many loving nieces, nephews and extended families. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by devoted siblings, Mary Finn, Margo O’Connell, Susan Kelly, Honor Hogan, Kathleen Graham, John O’Connell, Ann Delaney and Betty O’Connell.

Sister Michele held a B.A. in Education from the University of San Francisco and an M.A. in Religious Studies from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, as well as a teaching credential. Her teaching career spanned 30 years, including 14 at St. Christopher School in San Jose, and nearly every grade of Presentation schools in Berkeley, San Francisco, San Jose, San Lorenzo, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Los Angeles, and San Pedro. Sister Michele served as principal at St. Mary Magdalen School in Los Angeles and St. Catherine School, Morgan Hill.

From 1980 to 1990 Sister Michele was the Religion Coordinator at St. Christopher School and St. John Vianney School. Upon retirement from teaching, she spent a year on sabbatical in Ireland and England. She then joined the administrative staff of Presentation Center in Los Gatos. She was employed or volunteered at Presentation Center until 2012, when she moved to the Motherhouse in San Francisco. There she participated in volunteer activities and in the essential ministry of prayer until her death.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Motherhouse in San Francisco.Rev. Kevin Joyce will celebrate the Mass, as had been Sister Michele’s wish. A recent (2-3 days) negative Covid test is appreciated; vaccinations including at least one booster and KN/ N95 masking are required. Burial will be in Ireland.

Memorial contributions to the Sisters of the Presentation are preferred and can be sent to Sisters of the Presentation, Development Office, 281 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 in memory of Sister M. Michele O’Connell.

Haydee Hale passed away peacefully on April 19, 2022 at the age of 82. Beloved wife of the late Roy Hale. Loving mother of Rex Hale (Cristina). Caring grandmother of Desiree, Destiny and Daphne Hale. Daughter of Octavio and Mary Vega (deceased). Devoted aunt, cousin and godmother to many, and a good friend to her neighbors. Haydee was born, raised and lived her entire life in San Francisco and was proud of it. Graduated from Presentation High School. She worked for many years as an Executive Assistant at Cal Steam until her retirement. She enjoyed the arts, gardening, cooking delicious meals and entertaining family and friends. She was always up for a good adventure and had a zest for life. She lived life with so much enjoyment and fervor that was infectious to all around her which left an impact on many.

Private services to follow.