Saratoga Springs, NY - Elizabeth "Betty" (Kuenzel) O'Connell of Nelson Avenue, passed away Friday evening (Dec. 14, 2018) after an epic 30 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and in the thoughts and prayers of many.

Born on Jan. 25, 1938 in Saratoga Springs to the late Charles and Louise (Schultz) Kuenzel, she was an active community member. A 1956 graduate of Saratoga High School, and as secretary of her graduating class she had the pleasure of helping to organize many reunions. After graduating, she worked for a short time as a telephone operator for the Saratoga Telegraph and Telephone Company, but was most fulfilled by being a supportive wife and amazing mother to her family. She was an avid bowler and loved living in her home town Saratoga Springs.

Survivors include her husband of sixty years, former Mayor J. Michael O'Connell, her two children; Dr. J. Michael O'Connell, Jr. (Dr. Fred Rocco) and Maurice D. O'Connell (Liz O'Connell), her brother Frederick "Fred" Kuenzel, her sister in-law Maureen (O'Connell) Godlewski, daughter-in-law MaryEllen (Harper) O'Connell, her grandchildren: Christopher Harper O'Connell, Rachel Rose O'Connell and Charlotte Kuenzel O'Connell; nieces, nephews, several cousins and so many amazing friends and classmates.

In addition to her parents, Betty is pre-deceased by her loving son Robert Charles O'Connell and her brothers; Charles "Chuck" Kuenzel and Robert "Bobby" Kuenzel.

Relatives and friends may call from 3 to 6pm Thursday (Dec. 20, 2018) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am Friday (Dec. 21) in the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Hawley Foundation (hawleyfoundation.org), PO Box 1017, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com .