WESTFIELD – Helen “Gail” O’Connor-Midgley, age 87, (1937-2025) passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2025. Gail was born to Albert and Helen (Ostrowski) Weidhas on September 4th, 1937.
She was a graduate of Westfield High School class of 1955 and a Bronze Tablet winner the same year. Gail received her undergraduate degree, master’s degree, and advanced graduate studies in education from Westfield State. Gail taught in the Westfield Public School system for over 35 years and spent most of her career as an elementary education teacher at Juniper Park. Gail had a boundless compassion for education, and was a consummate teacher, in and out of the classroom. She was fortunate to have been led by Tom McManus and Jim Kane for many of her teaching years and was often referred to as “my favorite teacher of all time.” Directing her many school plays, she was most proud of her students at such a young age to be on stage. After retirement, Gail volunteered in the Westfield Public School system in many reading programs and school libraries. Gail also spent much of her retirement as a Justice of the Peace, fortunate to have married many happy and loving couples. She was a longtime member of the Majestic Theater and had a genuine infinity for all the arts. She was a member of Tekoa Country Club, the Westfield Women’s club, Blandford Country Club (where she made a hole-in-one), Blueberry Bridge group and was generous in her many donations to Stanley Park. Her optimism was unmatched, and her kindness was never ending.
Gail was predeceased by her son Patrick O’Connor, grandson Gabriel O’Connor, her husband Albert Midgley, her former husband Donald O’Connor and her parents Albert and Helen Weidhas.
She is survived by her daughter Marybeth Plemmons (Kevin), son Tim O’Connor (Terri), son Tom O’Connor (Beth), son David Nadeau, and stepchildren Carolyn Knisely and Cathy Langlois (Chris). She is also survived by her brother Albert Weidhas, sister Mary Underwood, sister Elizabeth “Betty” Podolski. She leaves her grandchildren Holly Szymkiewicz (Eric), Jacob O’Connor, Ashlee O’Connor, Erin O’Connor (fiancé Craig Lacey), and Josh Plemmons. Gail also leaves many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Armbrook Village for their many years of compassionate comfort and care, as well as JGS Lifecare for their support and kindness.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 13th, 2025, from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street in Westfield, MA. The calling hours will be followed at 4:00 p.m. by a brief service. The burial services will be private to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westfield Public School system in memory of Gail O’Connor-Midgley.
