Judith Anne O'Connell

Judith Anne (Howard) O’Connell, affectionately known as Judi, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, at her home in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 86. She was born on July 16, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Judi lived a life centered on her love for the Lord and her love for people. Her Christian faith was not simply something she believed—it was a foundation of who she was. She had a servant’s heart and found joy in helping others, caring for those in need, and sharing the love of Christ through her words, her music, and the way she lived her life.

Judi moved as a child to Eagle Rock, California and graduated from Eagle Rock High School class of 1958. She spent her early adulthood in Glendale, California, where she worked as a foster parent through Los Angeles County and served as an official in the association.

In the late 1970s, Judi moved to Huffman, Texas, where she worked for several years in the medical field as an office manager. She also operated a small cleaning and hauling business.

Judi moved back to California for several years and lived in Sonoma, for several years.

After becoming a grandmother, Judi moved to Washington to be closer to her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved. She worked briefly as a senior home care center manager before retiring in Everett, Washington. She and her husband, John, spent their final four years together in Mesa, Arizona. Judi was hardworking and never afraid to lend a hand wherever she was needed.

One of the greatest gifts God gave Judi was her love and talent for music. She was a gifted pianist and had a beautiful singing voice. During the 1960s and 1970s, she sang professionally with the Audrey Mieir Choir. Throughout the years, Judi continued to use her musical gifts in service to the Lord, frequently playing the piano and singing in the churches she attended. Her music brought beauty, encouragement, and joy to many people.

More than anything, Judi loved Jesus.

Her faith carried her through the joys and difficulties of life, and she held firmly to the hope she had in Christ. She knew that this life was not the end. Because of her faith, her family can say goodbye with tears, but also with the assurance that she is now in the presence of her Savior.

Judi is survived by her daughters, Debbie Dehn Ingersol (Dan) and Kristie Dehn Herbord (Paul) both of Washington State; her grandsons, William and David; her granddaughters, Sophia and Virginia; and several extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John O’Connell; her parents, Christina Mae MacDonald and Gerald John Howard; her brother, Harold (Hal) Howard; and sister, Lois Sowers.

Although our hearts are broken by the loss of Judi, we are comforted knowing where she is. She is no longer suffering, no longer facing the struggles of this earthly life, and is resting peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the promise that death is not the end for those who belong to Christ. Judi has gone home, and one day, by God’s grace, we will see her again.

“To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”— 2 Corinthians 5:8

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Judi’s memory to Samaritans Purse - Operation Heal Our Patriots (013960).

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/judith-judi-oconnell-mesa-az/

This will honor both her love of Jesus Christ her savior and her love of our country and supporting those who protect our freedoms.