Tribute Wall

Sally A O'Connell Obituary

Sally Annette O'Connell (nee Sears), 88, of West Barnstable, passed away on January 8, 2024. She was born on August 26, 1935 at Cape Cod Hospital (where 309 babies were born that year), to George B. "Bub" and Myra C. Sears. An only child, Sally had numerous cousins as playmates as each of her parents came from families of 13.

She was a devoted Wife to her husband, Paul, and dedicated Mother to her 4 children, Terry, Dennis, Robin and Diane. She was a stay-at-home Mom, a good cook, an accomplished seamstress and, later in life, developed an interest in learning to quilt. Also surviving are two step-daughters, Dawn and Heather, two grandsons, Chris Fair and Travis Higgins, her niece, Linda Davidson and her cat, Henry.

A Cape Cod native who traced her family lineage back to the Mayflower, Sally grew up in Dennis, graduating from John Simpkins High School. Town meeting first voted to bestow the John Simpkins name on the school in 1917 after John Simpkins, an elected representative of Cape Cod in Washington, D.C., and a collection of his books was donated to the school at the time of his death. The school served 256 students in grades 1-12 when Sally graduated in 1953. A bequest from the family of Jonathan Sears was used to build a playground at the location that continues to bear the Sears name.

Sally was kind. She was gentle. She was patient. Sally possessed a real enthusiasm for living. She will be remembered for her independent spirit, her caring and her wonderful laugh. Sally has touched the hearts of so many who will miss her dearly.

In addition to her parents, Sally was predeceased by her grandmother, Isette Sears, daughter-in-law Gloria Barabe, son-in-law Stephen Fulcher and her former husband George Barabe.

Visitation will be Friday Jan 19th, 11 am -1 pm with a funeral service at 1:00 pm in the Chapman funeral homes John-Lawrence Chapel, 3778 Falmouth Rd Marstons Mills MA 02648. Followed by a 1:45 pm committal service in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532