Obituary of Rita Marie O'Connell

Rita Marie Williams O'Connell, 61, of Pennsylvania Furnace, transitioned to the spirit world on July 23, 2016. Daughter of Charles Henry Williams and Helen Mary Bussard Williams of Coalmont, PA. She was raised by her maternal grandparents, Charles Albert Bussard and Erma Olga Wilkins Bussard. She graduated in 1975 from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, with B.A.s in Spanish and Sociology, and minors in Education and Philosophy. She was a lifelong educator who dedicated 28 years to teaching Spanish in the State College Area School District. She was also an avid musician and songwriter with unparalleled enthusiasm for life and a passion for learning. She will be sorely missed by her husband, David O'Connell, two daughters, Joy O'Connell and Jessie O'Connell, with her husband Andy Veres, and grandson, Ryan O'Connell, as well as many friends. Memorial services will be held August 6, 2016, at Pine Hall Lutheran Church on 1760 W. College Avenue in State College. Friends will be received at 10am, and the service will begin at 11. Refreshments will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pine Hall Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.