Janet L. O’Connell 1936-2026

Janet was a proud resident of Girard for her entire life and most recently resided at Briarfield at Ashley Circle.

Janet was born Sept. 13, 1936, in Youngstown, the daughter of Earl Frank and Ann Racick Gantar. She was a proud graduate of Girard High School, Class of 1954.

At St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, she found her calling as a healthcare professional, drawing on her natural gifts as a caregiver. Janet dedicated the early years of her nursing career to both surgery and the newborn nursery, though she most enjoyed spending time with the babies in her care.

This theme continued throughout her life, and she used her wealth of knowledge to care for members of her community, family, and friends alike. Janet saw nursing as not just a job, but a deeply ingrained, lifelong professional identity, often proudly asserting, “Once a nurse, always a nurse.”

They say that “behind every great man is an even greater woman,” and Janet was exactly that. She was the steadfast partner to her husband of 61 years, Martin “Jack” O’Connell, whom she adored as much as he adored her. Janet supported Jack, reinforcing his advocacy, his community service work, and his role as a labor leader in the Mahoning Valley. Janet was also instrumental, alongside Jack, in the establishment of the Girard Multi-Generational Center, leaving a lasting mark on the city they called home. They were wed on Oct. 26, 1957, a marriage that sustained them through good times and bad, cultivating a beautiful family and a loving home.

Janet’s home was a sanctuary. She was known as an incredible cook, at least for a select number of dishes, including wonderful cinnamon rolls and a mean pork chop. Whether it was a full dinner for her children’s friends or an apple handed to a student on their way to school, no one left her property hungry. The O’Connell porch was a neighborhood fixture where countless friends gathered for popcorn, Kool-Aid and iced tea. Her sweetness and generosity were legendary; everyone knew where the key was, and everyone knew they were welcome.

A tireless servant to her community, Janet volunteered in the St. Rose School cafeteria, served on the Home and School Committee, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and blood banks, and served as a precinct election official for the Board of Elections for many years. She was also a devoted Catholic, attending church since her youth, where her love for community and her abundant generosity aligned with her faith.

In her free time, Janet was a beautiful pianist who particularly adored playing for her family, her husband and her beloved pets. She was also an avid reader, and she loved finding special gifts for her loved ones, whether in bookstores or little boutiques, especially Irish gift shops. With her high school classmates, Janet relished frequent meetings of the S.O.S. Club for more than 60 years.

Janet was an excellent role model and a constant positive force in the lives of her loved ones. She taught her children and grandchildren kindness and compassion and that they were never too busy to offer or receive a compliment, especially one coming from her. She impressed upon them that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to and assured them all that she was extremely proud. Her support was immeasurable; her joy was abundant and her love was unconditional.

Left to eternally cherish Janet’s memory are her children, Kathleen O’Connell Sauline (Kenneth Fox) of Shaker Heights, Maureen Haska of Edinburg Township, Danny O’Connell (Stephanie Foley) of Girard, Laureen (Dan) Brinker of Girard, and Christeen (Randy) Partika of Coitsville; her grandchildren, Jessica (Doug) Foster, Janet (Michael) Sauline Russo, Mary (Nick) Sauline White, Grace (Philip) Sauline Rockwell, Martin Brinker (Alexis Pizzulo), Scott (Kristie) Partika, Annie Partika (Rafa Contreras), Abbey Partika (Warren Lewis), Emily Partika and Jesse Wilson; and her great-grandchildren, Margaret, Will and Holly Russo, Theodore and Henry White, Sarah Grace and Graham Rockwell and Donovan, Delaney and Aidan Partika.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and love of her life, Martin “Jack” O’Connell; her brother, Ronald Gantar of Arizona; and her sons-in-law, David Haska and David Sauline.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Blackstone Funeral Home, Girard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Rose Church, Girard, followed immediately by a luncheon and celebration of Janet’s life in the church basement.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Diane and Ed Reese of Briarfield Healthcare Center, and especially the amazing staff at Ashley Circle, as well as Patriot Hospice, for their excellent care.

To view this obituary and send any expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.blackstone funeralhome.com.

(special notice)