Laura Margaret O'Connell

On Thursday, February 22nd, Laura Margaret O’Connell, dearly beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt ended her earthly journey surrounded by her loving daughters.

Laura was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on April 13th, 1948, to Doris Jeanne and Bill O’Connell. The family later moved to Norman where Laura graduated from Norman High School. She attended the University of Oklahoma, enjoying many campus activities as a member of Chi Omega sorority.

Laura married Wayne Veal in 1969 and from that union was blessed with two daughters Kelly Anne and Abigail Leigh. After college Laura lived in Germany, California, North Carolina, and Georgia before settling back in Norman. Her daughters live in the Norman area and have richly blessed Laura’s life in countless ways but especially by giving her five grandchildren she adored: Madeline, Peyton, Reed, Mallory, and Bowen. As a mother and "Nanny" she always told her family, "I love you to the moon and back, to infinity, and beyond."

Laura graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. She taught second grade at Madison Elementary in Norman for twenty-two years. Laura always had a heart for children and was thoroughly delighted through the years to find that former students recognized her around town and gave her big spontaneous hugs and many warm words of affection and appreciation.

Laura is survived by her daughter Kelly Johnston and husband Joe; daughter Abbie Harris and husband Kyle; granddaughter Madeline Long; granddaughter Peyton Prock; grandson Reed Prock, granddaughter Mallory Long; granddaughter Bowen Harris; sister Mary Anne Lewis and husband Jay; sister Jeanie O’Connell; niece Carrie Lewis; nephew Rian Lewis; cousin Mark Smith; and treasured, dear friends and colleagues who have long enriched her beautiful life.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents Doris Jeanne and Bill O'Connell; cousin Don Smith; and aunt Marilyn Hogue.

A Celebration of Laura’s life will be held 2:00Monday March 4th, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Norman.