With strength and grace, Brenda Carlene O'Connell peacefully passed away on October 5, 2024, in her home surrounded by family. Brenda was born on May 8, 1961 to Cletis and Lavon Pruiett of Springfield, Missouri. Brenda attended Central High School and Missouri State University. Brenda had a distinctive 30 year career at Missouri State University and had just recently retired. She was a woman of faith and attended Schweitzer Church for the past 20 years.

Brenda was married to Tim O'Connell for 42 years. Together, they enjoyed traveling, going to the lake, lounging at the pool, attending rodeos and concerts, and riding ATV's with friends. Brenda loved music, shopping and being outdoors. She found great joy in planting and caring for the flowers around her home and laying in her hammock, soaking up the sun.

Most importantly, she was a devoted mother of two lovely daughters, Megan and husband Carlo Cardellini (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and Mallory O'Connell and husband Benny Faraone (Denver, Colorado). She has two grandchildren Mila and Liam Cardellini. She is survived by her younger sister, Kim and husband Pat O'Sullivan (Lamar, Missouri) and their children Madison and husband Micah Petersen (Tulsa, Oklahoma) and Erin and husband Jesse Tyler (Springfield, Missouri).

A visitation with snacks and refreshments will be held on Thursday October 10, 2024 from 5-7pm at Schweitzer Church (2747 E. Sunshine Street, Springfield, Missouri 65809). She will also be honored with a celebration of life service on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 11am at Schweitzer Church (2747 E. Sunshine Street, Springfield, Missouri 65809). Brenda loved wearing vibrant colors and her family asks attendees wear bright attire to each occasion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Schweitzer Church ( schweitzer.church/give ) or the National Breast Cancer Foundation ( nationalbreastcancer.org ).