Arlene Elizabeth O'Connell, 96, of Ft Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, with her loving family gathered around her. She was a gentle & gracious soul and will be missed & remembered by many lives touched by her kindness.

As a dedicated and excellent homemaker, Arlene loved baking for her family, and she was an active member of St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, volunteering her time there. Arlene also participated in social groups; Noontime Diners, Ft Wayne Newcomers' Club, and her hobbies included golf and card-playing. She was born Sep 17, 1927, in Dayton Ohio, the child of (the late) August P. and Clara (Kaufman) Weber. After graduating from Julienne High School in 1945, Arlene obtained her associate degree from Miami-Jacobs Business College in 1947.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Daniel Joseph O'Connell, and is survived by their four children: Daniel Kevin (Rebecca Samples) O'Connell of Santa Rosa CA, Timothy Brian (Rose Lapadot) O'Connell of Fort Wayne, Thomas Joseph (Elizabeth Fraser) O'Connell of Brentwood TN, and Ann Marie (Alan) Gill of Darlington PA. Arlene was a proud mother and loving grandmother to 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces & nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4911 Trier Rd, with visitation from 9:30-10:30 in the church. Visitation is also from 4-6pm Friday at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. with the Rosary at 3:30pm. Entombment in Catholic Cemetery. The family's preferred memorials are Masses or Saint Anne Home & Retirement Community, online at sacfw.org or by mail to 1900 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

To share a remembrance of Arlene or to offer condolences to her family, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.

Donations

The family's preferred memorials are Masses or Saint Anne Home & Retirement Community, online at sacfw.org or by mail to 1900 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805