Write a commentFlorence A. O'Connell, 90, an Oswego native and longtime resident of Liverpool New York and Palm Coast, Florida, died peacefully on September 25, 2025 at St. Luke Health Services.
Florence, known as “Flo”, was born in 1935 in Oswego, the eldest daughter of John F. Dain and Florence (Butler) Dain. Educated at Fitzhugh Park School and Oswego High School, Flo had especially fond memories tied to taking part in theatrical production. Flo was a graduate of Le Moyne College, a private Jesuit college in Syracuse, New York. She met her husband, Thomas “Tom” J. O'Connell at Le Moyne, and the couple married in 1961.
A devout Roman Catholic, Flo was active in various church-related communities for many decades. Serving in roles ranging from Eucharistic minister to spiritual teacher and prayer meeting leader, she was well known for her generous nature, quick wit, commitment to her faith, and enjoyment of community fellowship.
Upon earning a bachelor's degree at Le Moyne, Flo worked for a few years as a school teacher in Fulton and Mexico, New York. Subsequently, she was employed as a social worker in Syracuse. Flo and Tom raised their four children in Liverpool, New York. In addition to dedicated homemaking and volunteer work at St. Joseph the Worker parish, Flo pursued part-time employment opportunities, and eventually established her own childcare business.
In the mid 1990s, upon Tom’s retirement from his career as a school teacher in Solvay, New York, the couple moved to Palm Coast, Florida. There, they enjoyed decades of retirement living, and were longtime volunteers at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Additionally, Flo and Tom operated a service called “The Shopper’s Friend,” through which they assisted largely homebound residents with everyday shopping errands and provided rides to various appointments.
In addition to her parents, Flo was predeceased by brothers Charles Dain and John F. “Jack” Dain. She is survived by sister Geneva Galvin (late James); daughters Maureen (Larry) O’Connell and Kathleen (James) Rimay; sons Michael (Jill) O’Connell and Daniel (Jessica) O’Connell; six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 Monday, September 29, 2025. At the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home in Oswego. There are no calling hours.
Burial will be in Florida.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to Catholic Charities of Oswego County, 808 West Broadway, Fulton, NY 13069.
