Ila Irene O'Connell

Madison/Milwaukee - O'Connell, Ila Born the seventh daughter of the seventh son on October 27, 19 15 , Ila McGlinn O'Connell passed peacefully from the physical world on May 17, 2010 at St. Mary's Care Center , family at her side.   Ila grew up in Crandon , WI blossoming into a strong, independent woman who, with determined grace, overcame challenging obstacles during her nine decades.   A smart, beautiful, and sassy gal, she graduated from High School at 16, moved to Milwaukee to live with her sister, and met the love of her life, Ted O'Connell.   Ila and Ted lived downtown Milwaukee where they raised four children.   In 1957 Ila began a 21 year career as a secretary in the Director's Office of the Wood, WI Veteran's Administration. In 1978 she retired to Bonita Springs , Fl where four of her sisters also lived.   They had a ball.   She was a member of the Bonita Springs Community Chorus for many years traveling with them to perform throughout the Southeast.   In December 2001, at age 86 and with her four sisters gone, it was time to come back to Wisconsin and she landed in Madison where her daughter lives.   Ila enjoyed life to its fullest.   She took her first plane ride in 1927 at age 12; she    took her only hot-air balloon ride in 1997 at age 82. All of 12 years old as a freshman, she played softball in high school and was affectionately known by her teammates as ""The Lil' Pitcher"".   She loved to sing, play piano, write poetry, dance, garden, play cards, and enjoy a cold Miller High Life.     She was the best-ever mother to Michael ( Santa Cruz , CA), Tedd (Madison/Green Bay--deceased), Ara (Jon) Peters ( New York City ) and Molly ( Madison ).   As a grandmother, she enjoyed Disney World at least once with each grandchild, was not afraid to get down on the floor to play and lovingly welcomed her grandchildren at any time.   Ila is survived by her son Michael, daughters Ara and Molly; grandchildren Kathleen, Dan, Seth, Liz, Alex, and Tim; two great-grandchildren, and her baby sister, June Sorenson (Rhinelander).   She was preceded in death by husband, Ted; son, Tedd; parents, Mart and Olive McGlinn; and six of her seven sisters.   Michael, Ara and Molly thank and deeply appreciate the very caring staff at St. Mary's Care Center , Memory Care Unit, for their attentiveness and love shown to our Mother as her extended family these past four years, and for the dignity with which they guided her through this final journey.   A celebration of life will be held in Crandon , WI in September.   Memorials may be made to Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, the Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, or a charity dear to your heart.