O'Connell, Gertrude M. (Rooney) of Westford, formerly of Lexington, Oct. 15, 2015. Wife of the late John E. O'Connell. Gertrude is survived by her brother, Jack Rooney of Dennisport, son, Brian O'Connell (wife, Janet) of Burlington and her daughter, Nan Lindstrom, of Westford. Gertrude is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Kerri Lindstrom, John O'Connell, and Jennifer O'Connell, as well as 3 great grandchildren, Ella, Isabel, and Louis and her furry 18 year old dog and companion, Zoe. A funeral service will be held Friday Nov. 6 at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington at 11am. Visitation Friday prior to service from 9am to 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, Gertrude's wish was to have donations sent to organizations she was fond of. The first, a Pet Rescue Organization (her dog, Zoe is a rescue dog), Paws New England: website: www.pawsnewengland.com Donations can be made on their website in "memory of", or checks may be mailed to: PAWS New England, c/o Marie Klinch, 15 Whittier Place, Haverhill, MA 01832

The second, Friends Never Forget, serving the children of fallen heroes, one summer at a time: www.friendsneverforget.org
You may donate on line, or send checks to: Friends Never Forget, c/o Jamie Mosscrop, 14 Links Road, Westford, MA 01886

Gertrude worked for the Lexington School system for 22 years, retiring on August 3, 1990.

While raising her children, Gertrude was involved in community volunteering for the following: American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, was the town Census officer for a number of years, and was part of a Woman's Society organizing events for politicians (such as "coffee with the Kennedy's" television project for Ted Kennedy back in 1962). Gertrude contributed to her family and our society in so many other ways. She will be greatly missed. (Gertrude's debut into film began about 7 years ago. Currently, the most recognized Independent film she was in, "Exit Elena", by writer, director, Nathan Silver, has been making the rounds in many of the worldwide film festivals for over 5 years!)