Obituary of Inge O'Connell

Inge Hermine O’Connell

April 18, 1931 - November 6, 2021

On November 6, 2021 we said goodbye to our wonderful Mother, Inge O’Connell.

Born Inge Hermine Helberg of Hildesheim, Germany; mother, Augustine remarried (Karl Overheu) then becoming Inge Overheu.

Mom spent her early youth outside of school enjoying biking, playing by the local pond, gardening and helping out at home. Her area was and still is surrounded by beautiful early Romanesque architecture. She endured the trials and tribulations of World War II, finding herself at times in bomb shelters. She was also a devout Lutheran.

Post-war as a young lady, she met Dad, Carl (Bud) O’Connell, in Hanover, exchanging money for the stationed Canadian military, fell in love, and married in the Town Hall in Hildesheim. They had their first son, travelled back to Halifax, remarried in a Catholic church and raised three more children.

Above all, Mom was a devoted wife and mother. Whether it was walking all four of us from Dresden Row to Point Pleasant Park, watching us play hockey, going to majorettes, or swimming at the Centennial Pool, she was always there for us. Going for walks in nature was something she never stopped loving.

She enjoyed the ease of apartment living with Dad for many years. Inge took the difficult responsibility of taking full care of Dad until his passing at home, showing incredible fortitude. 

After Dad’s passing she became more outgoing and joined the local German Association, making many friends. Everywhere she went people liked Mom for her easy going smiling nature.

She managed to return to Germany to see her family again and see other parts of Germany and Austria she had never seen before with great delight.

She found great peace at Melville Nursing Home late in life and was well loved there by all.

Mom is survived by her four children: Frank, Mike, Gary and Catherine (Robert) De Santis, along with many nieces and nephews, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Mom was predeceased by her parents, step brothers and sisters, Bernard, (deceased) Gunther, (deceased) Rudy, (deceased) and Lotti.  

The family would like to thank the wonderful health care professionals who were involved in Mom’s care at Melville Lodge.

Inge will be laid to rest with Carl; Burial will be held on Monday, November 29th, 2021 at 1pm, at St. John's Cemetery, 6 Bedford Highway, Halifax. All mandatory measures under the Health Protection Act will be followed. Proof of double vaccination, and supporting government ID are required for those in attendance. Masks must be worn at all times. Arrangements are under the care and direction of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax.