Maureen ‘Marie’ Mary (née Taillon) O’Connell
December 10, 2023
Peacefully at University Hospital, our beautiful mother, Granny, Great-Granny and friend passed into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in her 91st year. Mom was predeceased by her best friend, the love of her life and second husband Benson O’Connell. Cherished mother of Mike O’Connell (Susan), Valarie Sparks (Brian), Bill Payne (Tinie), Bob Payne (Alba) and Barry Payne (Sue), and a loving grandmother to James O’Connell, Kathryn Vowles (Chris), Jessica Gardner (Jonathan), Jennifer Burns (Grant), Joshua Sparks (Zsuzsi), Nathan Payne, Jared Payne (Amie), Tarah Helmer (Richard), Evan Payne, Jonathan Payne (Breanna), Julia Payne, and Austen Payne (Kaitlin). She also leaves 13 great-grandchildren. Mom was also predeceased by her first husband William Payne from Kingston, Ontario.
Marie was born in Smiths Falls, Ontario, and grew up in Kingston, Ontario, eventually moving to London with three children and one on the way, where her family and career blossomed. Always a hard worker, Mom was very proud of her career beginning in the Dietary Department at Westminster Hospital in the mid ‘60s and progressing to Assistant Director of Food Services at Parkwood Hospital. She retired in the early ‘90s, having forged many lifelong friendships. During that time, she co-authored a cookbook which sold 5,000 copies and raised $20,000 for Parkwood Hospital. Although there were many special occasions at the hospital, one that stands out was the Royal visit by the Queen Mother in 1989, who was said to be very impressed with the meal. She still has a picture of her and the Queen Mother on her living room wall! After retiring from Parkwood Hospital, she and her husband Ben moved to their cottage at Poplar Beach on Lake Huron in the summers, and Florida during the winters. For years, they enjoyed many travel adventures around the world – Italy, Holland, Mexico and the Caribbean to name a few. Her gift of entertaining and her warm, welcoming personality meant that the house was always filled with family, friends, and food. Seven-layer dinner was a particular favourite! Mom had a lot of interests, but family was everything to her. Music always filled the house and each of her grandchildren has fond memories of her singing them to sleep to ‘Danny Boy’, one of her favourite songs. She left a legacy of love and devotion and will be greatly missed. We love you so much.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a funeral service will be conducted on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person.
To register for the livestream, please click here: Remembering Marie
Interment to be attended by immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Marie are asked to consider Mission Services of London and The Salvation Army.
Leave a tribute for Maureen ‘Marie’ Mary (née Taillon) O’Connell
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Our deepest, heart filled thoughts and love for the O’Connell and Payne families as the wonderful celebration of life is held for a kind, compassion, full of a zest for life, Marie. We so enjoyed our times at the cottage getting to know Ben and Marie and family. She was quite a unique person. Blessings to all of you. John and Linda Langford.
My HEART is with the family today! Whenever I spent time with Marie, I was always so BLESSED by her joyful spirit & genuine love for me as a friend of her daughter Valarie. Reading about Maries life has been so enjoyable. I will miss you Marie! See you up there!
Sending sincerest sympathy on behalf of my parents, Tony and Maria. Marie always welcomed them warmly into her home and showed much kindness. She was even sure to prepare Italian-inspired meals during their visits!
Dear Mike, Susan, family and friends, We are deeply saddened by the loss of Maureen, and we offer our most heartfelt condolences to everyone who was blessed to have her in their life. We hope that the love and care of your closest family and friends can offer you comfort. We're thinking of the entire family during this difficult time. With sympathy, Jennifer, Jim, Mike, Lindsay, Juliana & Amanda
Heartfelt sympathy to all the family. She was a very special lady.
Marie was my mentor and second mom. At 26, Marie showed me the ropes of FoodServices at Parkwood hospital. We had 10 wonderful years working together. She was mentor to many who worked in FoodServices at Parkwood . Many summers were spent at the cottage at Grand Bend where Marie prepared fabulous food. Great Debates were many usually with Marie and I loosing out to Ben. She was a special woman who never backed down from a challenge. She supported us all in being the best we could be. We will miss Marie but you will never be forgotten. Our sincere sympathies to the family. You all were her pride and joy always.
Marie was not only a beautiful soul inside and out but a great friend and mentor to those she touched❤ we will miss you. Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
Deepest Sympathy to Marie’s family. She was a lovely lady and friend
Services for Maureen ‘Marie’ Mary (née Taillon) O’Connell
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 14, 2023 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 15, 2023 11:00 am
Additional Service information
To register for the livestream, please click here: Remembering Marie
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
A donation has been made to Salvation Army. Message from the donator: Blessings to the family & may this donation help fulfill Marie's wishes. I will miss you always sweet friend 💝
~ ALICE COLE