September 20, 1950 – June 6, 2026

Kathleen O’Connell (née Dooley) passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the faith that guided her throughout her life.

Kathy was born in New York City on September 20, 1950, to Jim and Joan Dooley. She was the oldest of nine children and embraced that role with love, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Kathy’s faith was at the center of her life. She lived her faith each and every day through prayer, service, and devotion to God. She was a daily communicant, Eucharistic Minister, and Bereavement Counselor at St. Joseph’s Church. Kathy was a professed Secular Carmelite, a vocation that reflected her deep faith, devotion to prayer, and love of God. She had a special devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and prayed the Rosary faithfully. Fittingly, her rosary beads were in her hands when she passed peacefully into eternal life.

Kathy dedicated 34 years of service to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where she worked for Dr. Joseph Tannenbaum. He was not only her employer but also became a cherished and devoted friend. Following her retirement from Columbia Presbyterian, Kathy continued her life’s work of caring for others by serving with the Ocean County Hospice Organization for 13 years, providing comfort, compassion, and support to patients and their families.

Kathy was the beloved wife of Tommy. Together they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, and countless treasured memories. She was a devoted mother to her two beautiful daughters, Jeanmarie and Katie Danieli (Chris), and a proud and loving Nana to Keira Pombar, Nicholas and Ryan Danieli. Her grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Kathy was predeceased by her brothers, Timmy and Kevin. She is survived by her siblings John (Fran), Patty Pogeweit (Russ), Joan Dooley, Mary Ellen Geiger, Jimmy and Maureen Stratton (PJ), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and nine cherished godchildren whose lives she touched through her faith, love, and guidance.

Kathy attended Aquinas High School in the Bronx, where she formed lifelong friendships that endured for more than 63 years—a testament to the loyalty, kindness, and love she shared with those around her.

In accordance with Kathy’s wishes, flowers are respectfully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to:

Society of the Little Flower

1313 Frontage Road

Darien, IL 60561

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Kathy often reminded us:

“It’s never goodbye… it’s see you later.”

Enjoy life. Be happy. And keep me in your heart.

Her family takes comfort in those words and in the promise of eternal life. Until we meet again, may we honor Kathy’s memory by enjoying life, being kind to one another, and keeping her forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753, US, on June 15, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

• Toms River Obituaries – TomsRiver.org

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753, US, on June 16, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.