Jean O'Connell

Jean Katherine Lackey-O’Connell, 62, passed away on November 6, 2022. She was born on June 29, 1960 to her parents, Roland C Lackey (RC) and Virginia Lackey (Mimi).

Left to cherish Katy's beautiful memory are her husband, David O’Connell; her daughter, Jessica O’Connell; her son, Kody O’Connell; her brother, David Lackey; and her sister, MaryAnne Jones.

Katy made lifelong friends and if you were fortunate enough to be her friend you knew the meaning of tough love! She spoke her mind and would be honest with you, and if it hurt, she would comfort you.

Bringing comfort and a smile was her specialty. Why? Because it was her calling, and that call led her to nursing, where her natural abilities and her charisma, combined with a world class education (A Masters Degree in Nursing) made her into the best nurse ever! She never hesitated to offer counsel, stitch a wound, or lend a shoulder to cry on.

Katy’s caring ways did not stop when she changed out of her scrubs. Katy’s relentless drive and willingness to help those in need, would often lead her to volunteer for many causes, and there were many weekends when you would find her at events like the Special Olympics or removing gang tattoos; a program she created that would change the lives of those seeking a new start in life.

Some would think that with all that outpouring of love and compassion, that there would be little left for anything else, but they are wrong.

With her passion and dedication to so many, nothing compared to the immeasurable love for her family. From her grandparents to her mother and father, her big sister and little brother, there was not a day in 33 years of our marriage that she did not mention at least one of them and how special they are to her.

However, the most special place in her heart and soul was for something else, no it was not Citgo where she spent over 25 years caring for the men and women that operated the Corpus Christi refineries or the lifelong supply of dogs! She was a serial rescuer, choosing carefully which ones were allowed into her pack!

No, it is her children, the late-night walks because Kody would not be still in her belly, to Jessica cutting her own hair when she was a toddler, she cherished and loved them more than anything!

She made sure they had everything they needed, not wanted. Tough love remember? She was constantly there for them, planning the next birthday, the next Christmas, the next big event in their lives! Her love for them was limitless and even now she watches over us, planning for the day we are all united in her loves embrace.

See you soon my Princess, you are missed, you are cherished, and we will love you forever and ever!