Jean Smith MacDougall O’Connell died April 25. She was 92.
O’Connell was born on April 13, 1919 in Burntisland, Scotland to John and Mary King. She moved with her parents and brother William to the United States in 1924, settling in Pittsburg, Calif.
O’Connell attended business college and served as president of the Pittsburg Business Girls Association. She also worked as a secretary at the Steel Mills in Richmond, Calif.
O’Connell married U.S. Army First Lt. David James O’Connell in 1946 and moved to New York. The couple had a daughter, Maureen, the next year. Another year later, she and her family returned to California, moving to Marysville after her husband’s military deployment. In 1952, O’Connell gave birth to son David, and the family soon moved to the San Fernando Valley, living in Studio City, North Hollywood, Canoga Park and Northridge.
O’Connell moved to Malibu in 1975 where she and her husband would retire. The pair enjoyed the local scenic beauty and social gatherings with friends.
O’Connell is remembered as “a consummate homemaker, gourmet cook, imaginative decorator, great dancer and tireless volunteer.” She also enjoyed traveling extensively to film locations and for leisure while her husband worked as a producer.
O’Connell is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, David, who died in 1966, her sister Alice, and brothers Fred, John and William. She is survived by her daughter Maureen Louise O’Connell of Inglewood, her son David John O’Connell of Valley Village, her caregiver Kelly Maris Butcon, and her numerous cousins and in-laws.
No service will take place. Memorial tributes can be made in O’Connell’s name to the charity of one’s choice.