Henrietta E. O'Connell, 84, formerly of Montpelier and most recently of Mayo Manor in Northfield, died Sunday, November 9, 2008 in Burlington at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She was born November 27, 1923, in Burlington, VT, the daughter of Alexander and Florence (LaBarge) LaRose. She attended schools in Canada and graduated from Montpelier High School. During WWII, Henrietta enlisted in the United States Navy on April 1, 1944. She served in Washington D.C. until her honorable discharge from the service on December 19, 1945 with the rank of Yeoman 2nd class. On January 15, 1945, she married Eugene F. O'Connell in Newport, R.I. Henrietta worked for many years at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles in Montpelier. She was a member of the St. Augustine's Parish, the Catholic Daughters of America and the former St. Vincent de Paul Society. She enjoyed playing bridge and cherished the special group of friends that gathered for the past 40 years. She had a lifelong love of music that she shared as a member of the St. Augustine's Choir, and instilled in all of her children. She was an accomplished seamstress, and it gave her great joy and pride to share her talent with her daughters and others. Her home was always open to visitors and they were made to feel like family. Henrietta was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, Nana and friend. Survivors include her husband Gene O'Connell of Northfield; three daughters, Margaret DiStassio and her husband, John of Trumbull, CT; Carol Drawbaugh and her husband, Bob of Essex Junction; Mary Hancock (late husband Robert F.), of Westminister; two sons, James O'Connell and his wife Nan, of Richmond, VA, and Philip O'Connell and his wife, MaryJo, of Bel Air, MD. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeffrey, Brian, Andrew, Kristen, Whitney, Meredith, Emily and Alex, one great grandson, Kayden, and many nieces and nephews. Gene and his family want to acknowledge two very special people, Dick and Betsy Temple, who have done so much for so many years, and are considered part of their family. Henrietta was predeceased by her sister, Doris Shedlock, and two brothers, Norman and Arthur LaRose. Calling hours will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St., Montpelier. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 1:00 pm, Friday at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Montpelier. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Michael's School, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.