Susann O'Connell
January 28, 1952 - May 27, 2025
Visitation: Monday 2-8PM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy. Pgh, PA 15229
Service: Tuesday 9AM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229
O’Connell
Susann M. (Schwartzbauer)
Age 73, of North Side, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Beloved wife for 48 years of James F. O’Connell; Loving mother of Erin (Mike), Tim (Chelsea), Tracy and Juli. Proud grandmother of Trevor, Nora, Cody and Savannah; Loving sister of Bill (Karen), Dan (Sharon), Barb (John), Beth (Fred), and the late John; Susann is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Sue was the heart of the family. She was a devoted wife, a proud mother and a deeply cherished grandmother who brought a steady love into every corner of everyone’s lives. Whether she was making your special dinner, buying your favorite treats, cheering from the sidelines, or sending an xoxo, Sue made everyone remember how special they are and how much they are loved.
Lovingly known as GaGa by her grandchildren, Sue’s greatest joy was being a grandma and her grandkids adored her. The love she poured into every moment with them was special, something you could feel when watching them together. The bond they shared was filled with playing salon, cards & bingo, yellow pancakes and endless couch snuggles.
As a sister, in-law or out-law, aunt, cousin, friend, and mom to all, Sue was a source of comfort and strength, a safe space for all and her presence made any place feel like home. She had a way of enfolding everyone into her extended family: her children’s friends, elderly churchgoers, new babies were all pulled in with a warm hug, some jello jigglers, the world’s best pancakes, or a perfect sandwich on the back porch. She had a way of making everyone feel uniquely special.
In her final days, she showed us what it means to love fiercely and live bravely. We may not know how to live in a world without her, but we do know she will always be part of all of us. Her love, her warmth, her strength is etched into all whose lives she touched.
Friends will be received on Monday from 2-8PM at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 806 Perry Hwy., where a blessing will be held on Tuesday at 9AM. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CYA Meals on Wheels, 286 Main Street, 15201.
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Sister Sue, Susie, Suzeq or Gooze, I miss you since your last breath on the 27th, I miss you today more and I will miss you the most every tomorrow for the rest of my life. I was so very fortunate to have you for 61years, 9months and 9days. We were in many ways two peas in a pod. We were the bookends to the 6 of us siblings. You lead the way for me by example every era of my life. I was so lucky to be your sidekick when you were a teenager. You cut and fixed my hair for grade school pictures then took me to my first salon haircut. I can’t keep going year by year unless I want to write a book. You called me spoiled and helped get me there. After high school you and Jim let me live with you on and off for 7.5 years and I know that was not easy. I grew up (haha) when I got married. I do remember telling you years later I was sorry for complaining about pitching in for the phone bill and a couple bucks for utilities. We laughed about you teaching me the right rags for a specific cleaning task.
I was and always will be honored and proud being your baby sister. I have thousands of memories to cherish that I will smile, laugh and cry about often. You were one of a kind here on earth and will be an amazing guardian angel.
All my love, Beth, Bets, Betsy and sometimes even Brat (in a nice way)
Sue gave me my best friend in adult hood, I could not imagine life without her and I’m so grateful for everything sue gave to me.
Sue heard me say one time I liked candy canes, I had never gotten so many candy canes in my life.
Sue also loved my 2 babies as if they were her own family (which we were) but she loved fiercely, and she was always asking about my babies and my life. I’ve never not felt like me or my family were important people in her life and that’s just who she was.
One time she gave me a Christmas present. The present was an ornament with my last name on it “Hough” and another one with “jackson” when asked where she found it she literally said “just something I found at the store” like no you had to order that but you didn’t want any credit for it.
Sue I’ll love you forever and I’ll make sure your daughter is ok, you’ll be missed forever and loved more than you know.
Dear Family of Sue,
I was so sorry to see this obituary. I am presently in a wheelchair and no longer drive. I am not able to come to the funeral home, but I offer you my deepest sympathy and loving prayers.
I loved my time teahing at Nativity, and all the children I taught, including Erin and Tim. May God bless all of you with peace and consolation.
Be sure of my continued prayers.
Lovingly, Sr. Jeanne
My sincere sympathy to the entire O’Connell family. Sue was my trainer then supervisor back in 1978 at Bell Telephone. She was extremely organized, smart, and had great people skills. We bumped into each other occasionally when I lived in West View and always greeted me with a smile and hug. My mom passed in 2020 and Sue greeted me at Devlins, it meant so much. She was such a fun person and obviously a terrific mom, grandmother and wife.
Went to high school with sue. We all called her schwa. She was the most fun person. Loved serving on committees with her. Lots of great class of 69 memories. I know she’s in heaven. Dodo karlik
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, so sorry for your loss!
What a blessing to have known Sue and to have volunteered at Annunciation with her. I will always remember her bright smile and team effort at volunteering. Sue and her family were an inspiration. I knew the O’Connell family during the 80’s and early 90’s when Father Jack was at Annunciation. What great memories. My sincere condolences to the entire family on Sue’s passing.
My sincere sympathy to the O’Connell family on the death of Sue. Sue embodied what it meant to live the life of service and love to others. Never judging always accepting of people. She was a gift to all who knew her.
I have known Susie since high school and she was always so loving, engaging, and kind. She even had a “brand” back then and then carried it through for the rest of her life. Rest in peace, Susie! Love, Kathy
To the O’Connell Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your of your loved one, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. She was kinda like my mom, did alot for everyone, and everyone loved her. May she rest in peace.
Sue was the best. She was kind and welcoming to everyone she met. She was the Camp “R” mom in the parking lot comforting campers and parents as they were ready to head to the Laurel Highlands. She and her buddy, Gerri Seidl, were always there for the folks at Annunciation and then Incarnation. They could run a mean flea market together.
Sue’s legacy is her husband, Jim, who always has a one liner joke for you and her amazing children…Erin, Tim, Tracy and Juli. We talked HOURS about you. She was sooooo proud of each of you and loved you to the ends of the earth. She honored each of your individual personalities and worshipped you. You all could get the best belly laughs from her. Plus, a few gray hairs. Just a few. She taught you well. Each one of you have her in your hearts and act the way you do because of her (and Jim). Who gets four out of four outstanding children?????? Your work ethic, character and morals are hers and are in each of you. You honor her everyday.
And last but not least her BEAUTIFUL grandchildren, Trevor, Nora, Cody and Savy Sue….Wow!!! Were you ever blessed getting the best GaGa in town and you blessed her. Oh my did she love you pumpkins!!! She loved going to your school events, sporting events and just hanging at her house. I know she loved the yearly trips to Erie with you and watching you have a blast in the pool and then just dancing with complete strangers at the motel!!! She knew how to have fun and laugh! I hope all of you remember all the great memories and know that she is at peace and having a pretty good time in heaven.
Love, hugs and prayers for all of you.
John and I often reminisce about those wonderful early Bell of PA days when our gang seemed to celebrate constantly. Weddings, births, Christmas Parties. We were together all the time. Jim, you and Sue were always the most fun to be with. What a great time we had when your kids had that birthday party for the 2 of you in North Park. Sue was an amazing woman, mother, and friend. May she now enjoy her eternal reward.
To Jim and your family,
We are so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
John and Shirley
We want you all to know how much we cared about your Mom during her illness and to let you know we were praying for your strength as you cared for her. We are here for you during this difficult time
Jim and family, Sue was an amazing woman, and I am glad I had the privilege to serve with her at annunciation church in so many different capacities. She had an amazing heart. I will always remember her coming to weed weekly and she would bring the kids with her.
My oldest friend. We’ve known each other since first grade. You will be missed.
I haven’t seen Mrs. O’ Connell in many years, but I remember her warm laugh well and her kindness will always be with me. I’m so sorry to the family for your terrible loss.