Gail H. O'Connell

Gail Helen O'Connell, 73, of Park Ave, Keene, died peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lancaster, NH, October 7, 1936, daughter of Kenneth Benoit and Helen Beck Benoit Robinson. She was a 1954 graduate of Gorham High School and a 1958 graduate of Plymouth State College. Ms. O'Connell moved to Keene in 1960. She taught at Troy High School and Monadnock Regional High School as a business teacher and was the head of the Business Department at Monadnock Regional High School. She also worked for the New Hampshire Dept. of Employment Security, and the Division of Health and Human Services until she retired in May 2002. She loved flowers, dancing, music, cooking, crossword puzzles, and playing solitaire. She especially enjoyed collecting bears. Survivors include her four daughters, Kelly O'Connell of Keene, Kara O'Connell of Manchester, Katy Pierson and husband Mark of Connecticut, and Hannah O'Connell of Swanzey. Grandchildren include Mallory Maloon, Molly Maliska, and Mitchell Rogerson. She is also survived by her two sisters Elizabeth Crockett, and Lynn Norris and husband Don, and several nieces and nephews. She was the former wife of 27 years to the late John J. O'Connell. There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be at St Bernard's Church, Main Street in Keene on Tuesday morning at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ms. O'Connell's memory to Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431, or Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Kingsbury Pavilion, 580 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.