Fay O’Connell

Fay O’Connell, 90, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at Pinnacle Health & Rehab on January 17, 2026, after receiving compassionate care throughout her battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born on March 20, 1935, in Springvale, Maine, the daughter of Paul and Evelina Otis of Sanford.

Fay attended local schools, where she was active in sports and cheering, graduating high school in 1953. She grew up in a close-knit family, often joining her relatives—especially her cousin Betty Rankin—in lively games of Michigan Rummy, a tradition she continued to enjoy well into her early years of raising a family.

On September 19, 1953, she married musician Fred O’Connell, of Sanford, and became a stay-at-home mother, raising their four children at their home on Middle Street.

Once her children became teens, Fay forged a career as an insurance agent for John Hancock, building not only professional experience but lasting friendships. She later worked in advertising at The Sanford News, while also serving as a secretary at Sanford Adult Education in the evenings.

Fay was a communicant of St. Ignatius and later Holy Family Church, having converted to Catholicism prior to her marriage.

Fay was also part of a unique and enduring circle of friends who called themselves The Thursday Night Girls. Most had been classmates from grade school, and over time the group grew into a lifelong circle of women who met every Thursday night for decades. The “Girls,” Shirley L’Heureux, Connie Carpenter, Joan Durant, Barbara Caouette, Arlene Stackpole, Nancy Carpenter, and Betty Bernier, enjoyed outings at the lake, the beach, and Connie’s pool, creating a lifetime of memories not only for themselves but for their children, who formed their own lasting connections.

She shared a close and lifelong relationship with her brother, Wesley Otis. Their connection was marked by deep loyalty and affection, including the years when Fay invited Wes to live with her both before and after his service as a Marine in Viet Nam. When Fay moved to Pinnacle, Wes visited her every single day.

Fay enjoyed family gatherings and holidays, especially Christmas, when everyone looked forward to receiving the dishcloths she knitted year-round in her spare time. She dabbled in painting, lifted weights at the YMCA for several years until an arm injury slowed her down, and treasured Saturday lunches with her children and grandchildren.

Fay was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Evelina Otis and brothers Alan and Stanley Otis, all of Sanford; and her son, Gary O’Connell, of Springvale. She is survived by her children Donna O’Connell of Sanford; Kelly O’Connell-Guay (Edmond) Guay of Waterboro; and Ryan (Christina) O’Connell of Sanford.

Her grandchildren include Shane (Kendra) O’Connell of Sanford; Julie Letourneau of Sanford; Janna (Ryan) Donohue of Charlestown, Massachusetts; Tyler (Megan) Guay of Waterboro; Kyle

Guay of Waterboro; Kristen O’Connell of Somerville, Massachusetts; and Megan O’Connell of Portland.

She was blessed with eight great-grandchildren, including Kaden, Sophia, and Keegan O’Connell, all of Sanford; Mackenzie Gonzalez of Sanford; Zachary (Sarah) Gonzalez of Mexico, Maine; Liam and Owen Donohue of Charlestown, Massachusetts; and Rowen Guay of Waterboro.

She is also survived by her brother, Wesley Otis of Scarborough, as well as nieces and nephews, including William Ingle and family, of Newfield, Maine; Kelly Lynn Pass and family, of Louisville, Kentucky; and Kristopher Otis and his son Tyler, of Sanford.

A graveside service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery, in Sanford, in the spring.

Remembrances can be made through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org/give.