Barbara Murray O'Connell

Barbara Murray O'Connell passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. Born on August 15, 1941, she lived a life marked by dedication to her family, her profession, her faith, and her community.

Barbara’s early years began in Southwest Philadelphia in the loving company of her parents, the late Harry J. and Thelma Murray, and her brother, the late Harry "Butch" Murray. She attended Saint Mary of Czestochowa School until the age of 10, when her family relocated to Newtown Square.

Barb was a member of the 1955 graduating class of St. Anastasia School; she then graduated from Villa Maria High School in 1959, where she was active in many sports and activities, during which time she discovered the joy of sewing. This talent led her to making her own prom gowns and curtains (and later those of her daughters). She loved to cross-stitch beautiful personalized creations for family and friends through the years. Barb loved to cook, play tennis with friends, host crab parties and attend cousins’ reunions at the Bocce Club and in Wildwood listening to the Bowery Boys, which were always filled with fun and laughter.

Barb’s compassionate nature led her to pursue a career in nursing, entering Fitzgerald Mercy School of Nursing from 1959 to 1962. Here she met life-long friends who supported one another through the demands of rigorous clinical training, including rotations at Norristown State Hospital, after which they would have weekend get-aways to the Jersey shore, then other reunions throughout the years. Barb received a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Villanova University in 1965. This choice of profession would define her life's work and leave a lasting impact on all those she cared for.

Her nurturing spirit found its way to, among volunteering as homeroom mom, working at  St. Anastasia's and Villanova’s infirmaries, as well as the oncology floor at Bryn Mawr Hospital, where she worked for decades. Because of Barbara's expertise, strong work ethic and compassion, she was recruited as clinical research manager of breast cancer medication trials for Rhone Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals and subsequently at Glaxo-Smith Kline, positions that enabled her to travel extensively. Her work life in this “second career” brough a wonderful group of co-workers whom she called close friends for the rest of her life.

Barbara's legacy extends beyond her professional achievements. She was a woman of deep faith who wove this conviction into every aspect of her life. She was a very involved member of St. Anastasia Parish, as a sought-out Eucharistic minister, member of the choir, and committee member of the church’s 75th Anniversary.  She befriended many parish priests and fellow parishioners over the years, which led her to a deeper faith in God, and a deep commitment to others.

Barbara is survived by her loving children: Maureen O'Connell; Meg O'Connell Pensabene (Joe); Dan O'Connell; and Eileen O'Connell. She was a source of boundless love and pride for her grandchildren: Mary Kate, Emily, Jake, and Maggie Pensabene, who adored their Meme, who became known as Meme Candy because she always had a treat when she came to visit. Her unwavering support and guidance have left an indelible mark on their hearts, and they will always remember their traditions with her, making gingerbread houses for Christmas, dyeing Easter eggs, and other fun outings.

In honoring Barbara's life, we remember a woman whose presence was a gift to us all. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she enriched with her compassion and warmth.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:30 to 10:15am on Monday, May 5th, 2025 at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the church following the visitation. Mass will be livestreamed on Monday at 10:30am. To view, please click this link: https://www.youtube.com/@saintanastasiaparish9836/streams  Burial of her ashes will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1818 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or click the link to donate now in Memory of Barbara Murray O’Connell: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialbutton&lang=en&_gl=1*14js9jd*_gcl_au*NTg4MjQzNTI5LjE3NDQ4MjA4OTE.*_ga*MjA5OTUxMDQyMi4xNzQ0ODIwODkx*_ga_12CJLLFFQT*MTc0NDgyMDg5MS4xLjEuMTc0NDgyMDk3MC41OS4wLjA.