R. Zoe O’Connell

R. Zoe O’Connell (Thiffault), formerly of Osterville, died March 1, 2015 at the age of 93.

She was the beloved wife of the late Albert L. O’Connell. Loving mother of Steven D. O’Connell and his wife Maryann of Hingham, Robert M. O’Connell of Cambridge and the late A. Lawrence O’Connell, III. Devoted grandmother of Matthew R. O’Connell and Jennifer Z. O’Connell. Sister in law of Louise Whipple of Weymouth. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Katharine T. Allan and Katharine’s late husband Dr. James D. Allan. Born in West New York, NJ on August 19, 1921 to Joseph W. and Rita G. Thiffault, Zoe graduated from Douglass College in 1942. From 1948 to 1952, she lived in Tokyo, Japan with her husband and son Larry. She then raised her family in Weston, MA and Birmingham, MI. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Scott and Maleia Allan of Malden, Drs. Andrea and Kevin Caldwell of NM, Drs. James D. and Teri Allan of TN and Leslie and Robert Mullane of Centerville.

Zoe was a very strong woman who raised 3 boys alone while her husband was traveling overseas for business. She always made sure that her children were able to enjoy summers at Craigville Beach. Although she traveled extensively her heart was always happiest on Cape Cod with her family, friends and the beach. Some of her happiest times were simply sitting on the deck in her yard with her grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Church of the Resurrection, 1057 Main St., Hingham Saturday 3/14 at 10 AM. Donations in memory of Zoe may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 3810.