Ann Collins O'Connell.

WORCESTER Ann Collins OConnell, 73, of 7 Bayberry Lane, died Monday, July 2, 2007 at St. Vincent Hospital after a brief illness.

She leaves her husband of 35 years, John D. OConnell; a daughter, Monica OConnell-Edwards and her husband C. Ross Edwards of Worcester; two brothers: David W. Collins of Marietta, GA. and James J. Collins of Auburn, nephews and nieces.

Ann was born in Worcester, daughter of Ralph L. and Evelyn L (Maxfield) Collins. She graduated from Ascension High School and St. Josephs College in West Hartford.

After college, Ann was member of the Sisters of Mercy in Conn. for 15 years, and taught in elementary schools there. She later returned to Worcester and taught in the Worcester Public Schools including several years at Oxford St. School.

She was a longtime member and officer of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence. She served several terms as President of the Guild. She was chairwoman of its annual fundraising assemblies for three years. Through the Guild, she was a longtime volunteer and supporter of St. Vincent Hospital and later the Diocese of Worcester. She was the Guilds liaison to the Bishops Office in recent years.

She was named a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, which provides support for Christians in the Holy Land. She was also a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, the Friday Afternoon Club and the Ascension Chapter of the Notre Dame Alumnae Assn.

Ann loved the company of her family and friends and always enjoyed entertaining.

The funeral will be Friday, July 6 from the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, with a Mass at Noon in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. Johns Cemetery. Calling hours, at the funeral home, are Thursday, July 5 from 4 to 8 p.m.

The family suggests donations in Anns memory to Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester 01602 or the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, 49 Elm St., Worcester 01609.

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