Beverly E. O’Connell, 83, of Tappan, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.
Bev was born in New York City on January 25, 1938 to Carl and Norma (Weeks) Buchner . She grew up in Bayside and graduated with a teaching degree from St. John’s University . Bev began her career working as a kindergarten teacher at the Lee Avenue Elementary School. After raising her family, she went back to teaching nursery school and CCD, and then spent time reading stories to children at the Northvale Library.
In 1960, Bev married her beloved husband Tom. Bev was a devoted and loving wife, and she and Tom shared a strong, faith-filled marriage of 60 years. Together they had 4 children: Kathleen Maher, Brian O’Connell (partner Ann Starke), Suzanne Lucido (husband James) and Kerry Castro (husband Noel). She was a gentle and caring mother who made every day events something special. She was especially proud of her grandchildren Kelly Yam (husband Philip), Jenna Maher, Rachel O’Connell, Alyssandra O’Connell, Thomas Lucido, Matthew Lucido, and Emma Castro, and she treasured the time she spent with them. Bev was thrilled with the recent arrival of her precious great granddaughter Nora, and was proud to be called G-Gma. Bev was predeceased by her beloved sisters Barbara Buchner, Dorothy Rocco and Noreen Buchner. She is survived by her sister-in-law Maureen Wiley and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Bev will always be remembered for her beautiful smile. She had a deep love for Jesus and radiated love and warmth to all around her. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of forty one. While the disease took its toll on her physically, she was not inclined to self-pity and lived each day with grace. She had a sunny disposition and was grateful despite her circumstance. Her life was truly a testament to her faith. Bev was the heart of her family, full of love and astounding strength to the very end.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, New Jersey. A casual reception will follow at the Lucidos’ home at 35 Germonds Road in New City, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bev’s memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Children International.
To My Big Sis (sisters not by blood but by heart and BFF forever,
Such friendship we have through the years. We met at a bible study at St. Anthony’s in the late 1970’s, where we instantly bonded. And our friendship grew and grew. Way back in 2003, I sent you a card with a picture of a jar full of dreams, with a little note of love and encouragement. You said it made your ❤️. And, in return, you sent me this poem, which I have treasured through the years because it was so like our friendship to each other of love, encouragement, joy and laughter. And, I want to share that poem with you again, if I may.
A bird to sing your heart’s song
A star on which to wish ⭐️
A heart for love ❤️
A feather from God’s angel up above
A flower to press for memories
A tea bag to share with a friend
A butterfly to remind you that dreams are fragile , but one beautiful and strong enough to fly
A cross to remember who loves you the most ♰
I just wanted to thank you for being my friend, for walking this journey of life together, but most of all for being my Big Sis in life. I celebrate you and your life, your gift of laughter and your beautiful smile. I so enjoyed our last visit together on Nov. 14, 2021. I will love you forever. My older and wiser sister, not by blood, but by hearts. Love you to the moon and back. Every time that I see a Cardinal, I will know you are watching over me.
Hugs to you, my dear friend.
Kathy Houskeeper-Hahn
Bev was such a good person she would watch me as a kid… I enjoyed our walks and talks and she love to read books to me.. I really loved spending time with her she really made a mark on my life and was someone I could trust as a kid.. I am so so happy my kids where able to meet her and Tom a few years ago.. no matter what she was going threw she always had a smile.. she was truly a special person and will be greatly missed..