Gladys Barbara O’Connell, age 89, of River Falls, WI died peacefully at her residence on May 16, 2016. She was born August 6, 1926 in Newark, NJ to Edward and Dora (Rooney) Turner. She graduated from Central High School in Newark. After high school she worked for Bell Telephone Co. in NJ.

On July 13, 1952 she was united in marriage to Charles “Chuck” O’Connell in Montclair, NJ. After they were married they moved to Massachusetts until Chuck was deployed to Korea and Gladys moved back to NJ. From 1953 to 1967 they lived in a few different New Jersey communities. In 1967 they moved to River Falls and for over 20 years Gladys worked at UWRF as a secretary for the College of Agriculture. In 1991 Gladys and Chuck moved to Arizona and stayed there until 2005 when they made their final move, back to River Falls.

Gladys was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also enjoyed ballroom dancing, square dancing and playing bridge.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Dora Turner; 5 sisters, Althea, Dorothy, Marguerite, Lily and Patricia; 4 brothers, Nelson, Ernest, Charles and Robert.

Gladys is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Chuck O’Connell of River Falls, WI; her children, Charles “Buddy” (Joy) O’Connell of Cary, NC, Cynthia “Cindy” (Roger) Revak of River Falls, WI, Carl “Rich” (Michele) O’Connell of Camarillo, CA, Curt “Randy” (Judy) O’Connell of Phoenix, AZ; one sister, Gloria Hendrickson of Short Hills, NJ; two brothers, Randolf “Randy” Turner of Lavallatte, NJ, Wilbur “Bill” Turner of Marlton, NJ; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Friday, May 27, 2016, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, River Falls, WI. Visitation 5:00-8:00 pm Thursday May 26th at St. Bridget Catholic Church and one hour prior to Mass on Friday, May 27th. Interment will be in St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery, River Falls, WI.

Cashman-Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services of River Falls, WI is assisting the family.