Helen O'Connell

Helen O’Connell was born Elena Ann Galisky on December 3, 1924, in Koscza, Ukraine. In 1935, seven years after emigrating from Ukraine to Mexico, her parents and their six children emigrated to the United States, settling in Los Angeles, CA.

She married Morgan O’Connell on November 15, 1942, in Los Angeles, and together they raised six children. After 21 years as a military family, they settled in Sacramento, California. They were married for nearly 50 years until Morgan’s death in 1991.

Helen loved her family, entertaining, the outdoors, travel, and adventure throughout her life. Fearless and energetic, she continued exploring up until her 101st birthday. She passed away peacefully at home with family on December 31, 2025, in Montana at the age of 101.

She is survived by five children and their spouses; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Morgan O’Connell and Clyde Ropp; son Daniel; grandson Michael; and four siblings.