Beryl O'Connell Obituary

"What we have held does not loosen its hold. Love learns the shape of absence and stays."

- from the work of Richard O'Connell

Beryl Evelyn O'Connell (née Usher) was born on March 14, 1938, in Grimsby, England, to Amy Usher (Gifford) and Frederick Usher. She was the eldest of five children and is survived by her siblings Elva, Judith, and David, and was predeceased by her brother Kenneth.

At the age of 13, Beryl emigrated with her family to Ottawa, Canada, an experience that shaped her independence and lifelong love of language and learning. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of British Columbia, a foundation that supported her deep appreciation for literature and the arts throughout her life.

Beryl was married for 46 years to the love of her life, Richard O'Connell, who predeceased her in 2024. They were inseparable partners, sharing a rich and creative life filled with poetry, theater, opera, and art.

Before moving to Rhode Island to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Beryl was a longtime resident of Florida, where she built enduring friendships and remained deeply engaged in her church and community. Music was especially dear to Beryl's heart. She loved to sing and was a longtime choir member at the Community Presbyterian Church of Deerfield Beach, Florida where she also faithfully served as a Deacon.

Beryl devoted much of her professional life to teaching English to foreign students. She found great fulfillment helping students develop confidence, fluency, and a love for the English language.

Above all, Beryl cherished her family. She is survived by her daughter Wendy Reeves-Ravino, her son-in-law Tom Ravino, and her beloved granddaughters Daly and Devan Ravino. She expressed her deep affection for her grandchildren through imagination and storytelling, delighting them with whimsical children's stories about the "Rabbitto Family" of bunnies and other charming characters she created.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hattie Ide Chaffee Home, whose compassion and care meant so much to Beryl in the last few months of her life. They became like family to her, and their kindness will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity or nonprofit organization in Beryl's name.

Beryl will be remembered for her intellect, creativity, devotion to family, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her presence, voice, and stories will be deeply missed.

Richard and Beryl requested that they rest together. Services will be held in March at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.