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STELLAMAE LEUER O'CONNELL
July 19, 1918 ~ January 19, 2016
StellaMae Leuer O'Connell of Vancouver, WA, passed away Jan. 19, 2016. She was born July 19, 1918 in Chewelah, WA, the only child of August M. and Lena Millay Leuer. At the age of six, StellaMae and her parents moved to Spokane, WA where she attended Five Mile Grade School, graduated in 1936 from North Central High School and then Eastern Washington University with a degree in Education.
She moved to Vancouver in 1941 and accepted a teaching position at Lincoln Elementary, which played a large role in StellaMae's life. She met Claude "Skeet" O'Connell, who was also teaching there. They married in 1943 and were married for 69 years when he died on July 14, 2012. After many years away from teaching to raise her children, she returned to Lincoln and taught in the HOSTS Reading Program for 22 years as a volunteer. Both of StellaMae's children as well as her two grandchildren also attended Lincoln Elementary.
She was a talented seamstress, tole painter, rug braider, quilter, and gardener. She loved to dance, practice yoga and tai chi and enjoyed 50 years in PEO. StellaMae and Skeet spent 22 winters in Palm Springs, had lovely trips to Hawaii and a trip to Europe.
StellaMae is survived by her son, Patrick "Rick" O'Connell (Sally); daughter, Kathy Friberg (Philip); two grandchildren, Robbin K. Rose (Brian) and John R. Windus (Jen); and great-grandchildren, Levi Rose, Arden and Foster Windus.
We were all very blessed by our mom's life
and we will miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be held at Touchmark at Fairway Village, 2911 SE Village Loop, Vancouver, WA 98683 on Tues., Jan. 26, 2016 at 1:00p.m.
Her family would like to thank all of the caregivers and nurses who lovingly helped her during the last years at Touchmark. We would also like to thank Nina and Julie from Hospice SW for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Clark College Foundation, in memory of Skeet O'Connell, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663 360-992-2301
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rick and Kathy: Thanks for sharing you mom with me. She made a tremendous different in my life always pointing me in the right direction. I will miss her.
Tom Mellor
February 5, 2016
Dear Cousins,
Both your mom and dad were an inspiration to me. Stella Mae had such a zest for life and enthusiasm. I always felt uplifted after being with her.
Our love and condolences to you.
With Aloha, Rob and Jeff
Hawaiian Expression of Sympathy:
a na ke aloha e hola mai i ka eha a hoolana ae i ka manao.
May love and compassion heal the hurt and uplift the heart.
Rob Kvidt
February 5, 2016
Rick & Family,
Your Mom was a very special lady, and I am so glad to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat Nicholson
January 27, 2016
Rick Kathy and family;
I was saddened to hear the passing of Stella Mae. She was such a wonderful graceful lady. I fondly remembering visiting with she and Skeets with Denny Huston. We enjoyed so much listening to them share with us the memories of Clark College and Vancouver. My thoughts are with you.
Jim Raines
January 26, 2016
Rick Kathy and family; I am saddened to hear the passing of StellaMae. I remember visiting with her and "Skeets" with Denny Huston. Such fun visits sharing with them events of Vancouver and Clark College. Such a wonderful and graceful lady. She will be missed by so many.
Jim Raines
January 26, 2016
Kathy,Rick, and family, dennis and I are so sorry for your loss,you are all in our thoughts and prayers. dennis and Sharon Hanson.
January 24, 2016
Kathy, Please accept our condolences for the passing of your mother. She was a beautiful lady and we know that you will have wonderful memories. Always remember we love you and Phil and your family.
Cheryl and Terry Thomas
January 24, 2016
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