Doris A O'Connell

PLATTSBURGH Doris Madeline (Arbenger) O'Connell of Plattsburgh passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 15, 2015. She was surrounded by her children at the time of her passing. Doris was born on April 25, 1929 to Walter Julian Arbenger and Madeline (Zoll) Arbenger. A life long resident of Plattsburgh, Doris graduated from Plattsburgh High School as Salutatorian in 1946. She continued her education and graduated from Our Lady of Victory Secretarial School (OLVA). As a youth, Doris enjoyed Western Trick Riding, won a speed skating trophy, and earned her pilot's license in 1949. Doris was secretary to Dr. Edward E. Redcay, the Dean of the College at Plattsburgh. In August of 1953 Doris wed B. Loyal O'Connell (Bud), the love of her life. She had three children with Bud before his untimely death in March of 1966. Upon Bud's death, Doris returned to school and received a second degree from OLVA Secretarial School. After graduating she worked for a short time as the executive secretary to the Honorable Norman L. Harvey, Supreme Court Justice in Plattsburgh. Doris married a second time to Lt. Colonel Mac F. Wilson, USAF, in the summer of 1968. The bride wore a white lace mini dress. The wedding was celebrated with her family that had now grown from three to five children, all under the age of 13. Doris is survived by four of her children: Debra (Wilson) Rubin of Carmel Valley, California, her husband Fred and their two sons, Elliot and Isaac; Shauneen O'Connell and her husband John Allen of Cumberland Head; J. Daniel O'Connell with the Maharishi Purusha Program in Romney, West Virginia; Megan (O'Connell) Richter, her husband Robert and their two children, Michael and Lauren, all residing in Plattsburgh. Doris's son Craig Wilson of Houston, Texas, preceded her in death in April of 2006. Doris launched a new career in 1972 by joining the wave of interest in physical fitness. She trained at the Bonnie Prudden Institute of Physical Fitness in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, becoming one of the first Women's Aerobic Fitness Instructors in the North Country. She happily taught her choreographed exercise routines for 40 years. Doris capped off her career by serving as a volunteer in the Clinton County RSVP program. She and two friends founded the Osteoporosis Exercise Program for Older Adults at the Peru Community Fellowship Hall. In 2003 Doris was the recipient of the RSVP Very Special Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding spirit and service. Doris was quoted in recent years in a Press Republican article, "My philosophy is to have a lot of genuine women friends and try to enjoy every single day." Let's all remember the little lady who drove the hot sports car with the license plate "KEEP FIT". Calling hours will be held on Wednesday March 18, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday March 19, 2015 at 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church in Plattsburgh. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery later in the year. Donations in Doris's memory may be made to the Elmore SPCA. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518)-561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com