Carolyn O'Connell

Carolyn O'Connell, age 63, passed away Friday, August 6, 2010, at a local hospital after a courageous battle against leukemia.

Born February 8, 1947, in Lake Charles to the late Karlva and Audrey Fournerat, she was a resident of Sweetlake. Carolyn was a faithful and devout catholic, having been the choir director for many years at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church along with St. Patrick's Chapel. Playing music for mass was one of Carolyn's greatest joys. Her music ministry always gave her a great feeling of closeness and service to her Lord, to whom she loved so dearly. Carolyn also adored her choir members, always having a great spirit while leading them and also throughout her life with her family and friends. Although Carolyn will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, heaven has gained another angel yesterday as she passed on.

Survivors include her loving husband of 39 years, Ken O'Connell of Sweetlake; her three children, Carol Olmsted and husband, Max of Lake Charles, David O'Connell, I, and wife, Christie of Conroe, TX, and Missy LaRue and husband, Brian of Lake Charles; two sisters, Shirley Raftopoulos and husband, Paul of Solvang, CA, and Judi Taylor and husband, Tommy of Sweetlake; nine grandchildren, Amanda Mouhot and husband, Jeremy, Megan Johnson, Caldon Olmsted, Chace Olmsted, Chelsea O'Connell, David O'Connell, II, Samantha O'Connell, Bradley LaRue, and Alex LaRue; three great-grandchildren, Brayden and Madalynn Mouhot, and Teagan Johnson; four special nephews and a special niece, Daniel, Jeremy, and Bryan Taylor, and Christopher and Anastacia Raftopoulos; and a host of very special and close cousins and friends.

Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. Msgr. Harry Greig will officiate. Burial will follow in Grand Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 9, from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday, August 10, from 9 a.m. until time of service. A rosary will be prayed Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.