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Name: |
Henrietta Gent O'Connell |
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Spouse: |
Frank G. O'Connell |
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Married: |
January 1959 |
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Children: |
Teresa, Phoenix, AZ Lisa, Urbandable, IA Joe, Cedar Rapids, IA John Cedar Rapids, IA |
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Grandchildren: |
Samuel and Madeline Kirchner (Lisa) |
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Occupation: |
Retired registered nurse |
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Hobbies: |
Traveling, walking, reading, gardening (especially flowers) |
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Parents: |
Paul and Mary Gent (both deceased) |
Biographical Sketch
I must admit, I hadn't even thought about it being 40 years since graduation until I received Corlyn's letter. But time flies when you're having fun!
After completing nurses training at Mercy School of Nursing in Iowa City and passing boards, I worked in Iowa City for the following year.
Three of my classmates and I left for Houston, Texas, in August, 1958. I worked at M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Hospital for the next year.
Soon after arriving in Houston, I met Frank O'Connell (a Texan) and we were married in January 1959. The next few years were very busy after the arrival of two daughters and then twin sons.
When going back to visit family each summer in Iowa, Frank enjoyed the weather and being able to get on the golf courses easily. In 1967 he accepted a job at Collins Radio (now Rockwell International) in Cedar Rapids.
Our children were all in school by this time so I went back to work at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. I worked part-time nights for the next ten years, ending that phase of my work as night supervisor.
In 1978 I was offered a job in the nursing education department of the hospital. For the following 15 years I worked part-time doing the orientation of new nurses, setting up continuing education courses, teaching C.P.R., and finally staff development for all hospital employees.
Our four children attended Linn-Mar Schools in Marion where both Frank and I were very involved. Camp-fire girls, 4-H, AFS (foreign exchange program), football, wrestling, basketball, and music kept us all busy. We attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion.
In 1993 Frank was eligible for retirement so we sold our home near Marion (just down the road from John and Ho Bouslog) and moved to Frank's home town. We are now in the process of building a home in the country but plan to spend time in Iowa each summer.
I've seen Lois Coffman a number of times over the years. When Kinross celebrated its Centennial Lois, Keith Coffman, Stanley Polton and I got together. I visited with Mickey Gage years ago when she was back to see her mother. Enjoyed seeing Jackie Newman at an Alumni Banquet a few years ago.
I don't think we'll be able to make it for Memorial Day weekend but will be thinking of you all. Have FUN!!!!!