M. Christine O'Connell died unexpectedly at her home Monday. Chris was predeceased by her parents, Don and Marion Sheehan, and her brother, Timothy Sheehan.
Chris is survived by her four children, Timothy of Syracuse, John (Jamie) of Charleston, SC, Patrick of Atlanta, and Andrew (Wioleta) of Atlanta. Her four grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Will and Luke were her pride and Joy. Her surviving brothers are Michael Sheehan (Kathy), and Daniel Sheehan (Donna). Chris is also survived by her loving companion, Juan Claudio, and her ex-husband and friend, John O'Connell. Chris also had several loving nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Calling hours will be held Thursday 4 to 7 p.m. at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Patrick's Church, 216 N. Lowell Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Christine Dwyer
September 6, 2012
With Deepest Sympathy goes out to the family, I Lived next door to Chris and she would talk about her grand children and her son's all the time, we are still in awe over this! My prayers Juan who looked out for her and took care of her! May she rest in peace, Chris, Dennis and Ryan.
Megan & Mike Lewis
September 4, 2012
Dear O'Connell Family,
We've had the pleasure of being neighbors with Andy and V in Atlanta for the past 7 years and have had the opportunity to meet his brothers. Chris is a wonderful woman to have raised such great sons. We are very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Mark and Janet Lake
September 3, 2012
So truly sad to hear of Chris's passing. She has a beautiful family and many great friends that will miss her. Salante!

Anne Lancaster
September 3, 2012
I am so sad and sorry for all of you and yourlosses. God Bless Chris!
Cousin,
Annie
Ellen Reed
September 1, 2012
To all of Chris' family,
May god bless you all and guide you through this very sad time.
All her love will last forever!!!!!
June Springer
August 31, 2012
My heart goes out to Juan and Chris's family. She was a a good person and will be greatly missed by all. I had the pleasure of working with her at the Holiday Inn.
Mary Russell
August 31, 2012
My heart goes out to Chris's family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Chris from when I worked at the Holiday Inn. She was such a wonderful woman. She will be greatly missed. Juan, my heart goes out to you at this time. You will all be in my prayers.
Hendricks Elementary School PTA
August 30, 2012
Dear Patrick (Mr. O'Connell),
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and give you peace during this time of bereavement. It is never easy losing a loved one, but we pray the beautiful memories of your mother make your grieving heart smile.
August 30, 2012
May we chersih each memory untill we meet again in heaven!! Wishing you all peace and serenity in your time of sorrow!
August 30, 2012
I worked with Chris at the Holiday Inn my sincere deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and co workers. Joe Benware
Renee Stoutenger
August 30, 2012
To Chris 's Family I am deeply Sorry for your Loss. I had the pleasure of working with Her for 11 years. She will truly be missed. I send my Prayers & Thoughts to all her family & friends. :(
August 30, 2012
All my love to Juan and John; Tim; Johnny and Jamie and Olivia and Luke; Pat and Emily and Will; Andy and Wioleta; John Sr.; Mike and Kathy; Dan and Donna and the kids and grands; Aunt Arlene and Joe, Tom, Pete, Mary, Theresa, Anne and Ellen and theirs; Peggy and Dick and their familes; O.B's kids and grands; cousins Jeannie and Joe and theirs; and all Chris's friends from St. Pat's especially Nancy.
Thanks Chris for all the laughs and cries. I can hear your laugh now. Uncle Jim would be proud of you since he wanted us to learn to leave 'em laughing.
Thanks for all the memories of Pop and Mart's camp; Grama's crow's nest; your mom and her spoolies; your dad and his hand shake for little ones and his irish lullabys. Thanks for making it possible for me to be scared of cue ball.
Til we meet again you are with us in the hugs of our family and friends. Can't wait to have a game of pool in heaven with all of us and joke about Dick B.'s antiques and doodle bugs.
We'll keep the faith til then.
Your cousin,
Cate and Jack
August 30, 2012
All my love to Juan and John; the O'Connells: Tim; Johnny and Jamie and Olivia and Luke; Patrick, Emily and Will; Andy and Wioleta and John Sr.; Sheehans: Mike and Kathy; Dan and Donna and kids and grands and Sheehan cousins jeannie and Joe and all; Lancasters Aunt Arlene and Joe, Tom, Pete, Mary, Theresa, Anne and Ellen and their gangs; and Peggy and Dick and their families and O.B.' kids and grands; all the many st.pat friends (especially Nancy) of Chris.
Thanks for the good laughs and cries. I can hear you laughing now. Uncle Jim would be proud since he knew you knew how to leave 'em laughing!!!!!
Thanks Chris, your are the best!!!
We love you and treasure all our wonderful memories of you!! (Pop and Mart's camp; Grama's Crow's nest; your mom's spoolies and your dad's special hand shake with little ones and his irish lullabys.
Wish we were there. The prayers are.
See you later.
Your cousin,
Cate and Jack
Bryan Dacey
August 30, 2012
I had the pleasure of working very closely with Chris at the Holiday Inn. She was a sweet and hardworking person. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Amanda Townley
August 30, 2012
Dear Pat and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss and hope that all of your great memories of your Mom will keep you and help you to get through this difficult and truly sad time! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Amanda (Gordon) Townley
Marilyn Vrabel (Erwin)
August 29, 2012
As a former classmate, I never heard Chris utter an unkind word. God Bless you Chris, we will raise a glass in your honor God Speed and Good Night,
Fedele Marsha
August 29, 2012
With Deepest sympathy to all the Family I had worked with Chris for many years at the Hotel Sincerely Marsha Fedele
August 29, 2012
Chris's Family I send my deepest sympathy to all of you I worked with your mother for many years at the hotel had a lot of good times Sincerely with Deepest sympathy Marsha Fedele
Sheron Careathers
August 29, 2012
Patrick O'Connell and family,
No words can comfort you, but please know that my deepest prayers and wishes are with you and your family today and always.
August 29, 2012
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Christine--we grew up on Whittier Ave & had sooooo much funny as kids. You're in my thoughts & prayers.
Always,
Mary(Kocher)Ryan
Nick Stepien
August 29, 2012
To the O'Connell family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Many memories have surfaced upon hearing this sad news. When I think of Ms. O'Connell, I recall her smiles, laughter, and caring nature. She was a significant part of my childhood, as was the rest of the family. I was recently blessed with the surprise of seeing her on my wedding day, and I will always hold the memories of her being so nice to me when I was young.
Your friend and neighbor,
Sue Charles Ostuni
August 29, 2012
To Chris's Family,I was shocked to read this sad news about Chris today. Chris was a terrific person, I have many memories of us when our kids were young, there were many times when she would watch my kids for me so i could work and would never want anything in return. I always loved being around her and the Sheehan family. Whenever I'd see her she always had a smile and a friendly word, I loved her laugh it made you smile. I send you my thoughts and prayers on the loss of a terrific person, gone too soon. Sincerely, Sue
Bill McClenthan
August 29, 2012
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to the entire family involved , also to ALL those who worked with Chris over the years
Rob Neimeier
August 29, 2012
John, Timmy, Johnny, Pat, and Andy,
I'm very saddened by the loss of Chris. Growing up as neighbors, there are so many lasting memories of Chris organizing yard games for us kids, making frozen juice popsicles, and sitting under (Bob's) big maple tree on hot summer days. Her smile brightened any conversation and her laugh was contagious. She will be missed my many.
In memory, your friend,
Rob Neimeier
Beth Cole
August 28, 2012
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. She was a wonderful lady and I am honored to have known her and the wonderful boys she raised. My love to you all.
Beth Coyne Cole
Mary Fuller
August 28, 2012
Words can not express the sadness my heart feels for my good friend. You will be missed oh so much. Rest in Heaven my friend!
Sharon Flynn/Anderson
August 28, 2012
Was so sorry to hear about Chris. I have thought of the good times we had in the early days working at Hotel Syracuse, playing softball, camping and then later working at the Holiday Inn. We will all miss you. Wish I had a picture to send.
Colleen Tierney
August 28, 2012
Timmy, Johnny, Patrick, and Andrew,
I am so, so sorry about losing your mom. I was heartbroken to hear the news yesterday. She was such an amazing person, I always enjoyed being with her and hearing her share stories about all of you. Pure love and joy radiated from her when she spoke of each of you. I am so grateful I got a chance to be with her this summer when I was in Syracuse. No matter how much time had passed since I saw her last, she always made me feel like a special part of her life especially when she referred to me and you, Patrick as "the twins." Wish I could be there, sending my love and prayers....
Your cousin,
Colleen
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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