Lourdes O'Connell

On July 24, 2021, our beloved mother, Lourdes Velge Santos O'Connell arrived in heaven at the age of 89.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Lourdes was the daughter of Dr. Martin and Alice Santos.  Her childhood was spent in a war-torn country during WWII. At the height of the Japanese occupation, she remained at home studying piano. Classically trained, she had a life long love of music.

When safe to return to school, she excelled in academics, eventually graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Santo Tomas, with a B.S. in Commerce.

Prior to graduation, she was offered a teaching position in the School of Business at the university.  Mom taught for several years before leaving the Philippines with the love of her life, James O'Connell, whom she married in 1957.

Her strong character enabled her to adapt to the adventures and hardships of being a military wife.  Frequent moves and long deployments became a way of life.  No matter where life took her, being an active member of the local Catholic community was important to her.  Our family eventually settled in Long Beach, MS a place we could call home.

A quiet homebody, she did embrace the faith communities of the Seabee chapel and St. Thomas parish.  Affectionately known as “Miss Lou,” she could be found at morning mass playing their favorite hymn, “Panis Angelicus” during communion, while also keeping a close eye on her purse, "Just in case something happened to it."  Mom was even known to take her purse with her to receive Communion!

Mom loved helping at Mass and served as a Lector and she also led the Stations of the Cross during Lent for several years.  She often joked that she should have been on the payroll!  A lady of many talents, she was an avid gardener and an excellent cook and seamstress, sewing all the clothes for her three daughters and herself.  At one military chapel, she made the altar linens to use during Catholic Masses.

Our mother always carried herself with grace and dignity. She was a strong woman who carried heavy burdens and sacrificed much. The pain of her loss will be felt forever.

Surviving our dear mother are her children: Alice (Jeff) Lawson, Catherine (Jim) Ross, Marguerite "Peggy" (Michael) Brumfield, Joseph (Kay) O'Connell, and James (Beverly) O'Connell. In addition, mom had 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grand children, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, August 2, 2021at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd., Long Beach, where friends may visit from 10 – 11 am.  Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Long Beach, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com