Trace O’Connell left this world in the morning hours of January 23, 2016. She was 59 years old.
Teresa Lorraine Radley was born June 12, 1956 in Helena, Montana to Dr. Penrose Radley and Elizabeth Stratton Radley. She spent her early years on the Upper West Side until her family bought a ranch in the North Valley. There, Trace discovered her lifelong love of the outdoors – caring for animals, riding horses, and doing ranch chores.
Trace was named Miss Congeniality at the 1974 Stampede Fair, the same year she graduated from Helena High School. She went on to study psychology at the University of Wyoming and the University of Montana. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert O’Connell, in 1978. The couple built a home in Marysville and raised their young family there. Trace graduated from Carroll College in 1980, receiving her BS just before the birth of her eldest son, Tyson. Trace would have two more sons, Seth and Dustin. Her sons were her greatest sources of joy and pride. Their favorite memories with her include reading together, skiing at Great Divide, and playfully bantering.
Trace was as kind, creative and loving as any soul on this earth. She was also spiritual, and at times too sensitive for this world. She helped those in need as a mental health professional, but her compassion extended well beyond her career. A long line of animals were lucky enough to join her family over the years. In fact, she went to extreme lengths to save living things of all kinds, even rodents, plants and insects. Trace was a giver.
Trace is preceded in death by her parents and nephew Nathan Nichols. She is survived by countless loved ones including brother Mark (Paige), sisters Jenni (Marc) Kelly and Leisa; sons Tyson (Janna), Seth (Nikki) and Dustin (Alli); grandchildren Keenan, Lucas, Ael and Kennison; dear friends AJ and Becci; and nieces and nephews Britny, Ryan, Rhiannon, Shane, Riki, Kelsey, Kasey, Jordan, Samantha, and Hayden.
A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow at Jorgenson’s Restaurant, 1714 11th Ave.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Trace’s name are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Trace.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 30, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the celebration of her life
Saturday January 30, 2016
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1714 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 30, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the celebration of her life
Saturday January 30, 2016
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1714 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Randy Routzahn says
Radley and O’Connell families
I am sorry for your loss of Trace. I have known her for 50 years and she has been a nice person throughout that time. I know she is in a better, peaceful and quite place. It is difficult to write these thoughts when she passed so young. She will be in my prayers. Bless you Trace.
John E. Andrew says
I think all would agree that Tracey was one of the most grounded, genuine people one could be fortunate to know. My condolences to the Radley and O’Connell families, and all her friends that she shared a lifetime with.
Alan Fauhl says
I am so sorry to hear of Trace passing. We spoke a bit not too long ago. We were the only two case managers at Mental Health Services in the late 1980’s. She was always great to work with and very kind to the clients with whom she worked.
Merrill RiChey Meredith says
Jennifer & Mark – I’m so sorry for your loss. My memories of Trace are that of your cute kid sister with the beautiful brown eyes. Back in the day when your family lived on Holter Street.
To read of her life and the depth of her personhood is quite something!
In Sympathy
Merrill RiChey Meredith
Tracey Olson says
I have known Trace for along time I remember when I her at Montana House and she was so caring and helped me out so much. I will miss her so much and I know she is at peace and will care for everyone in heaven. She was such a loving and caring person whom will be missed by many. LOVE YOU TRACE and Will miss you immensely. RIP
Joan and Randy Bowsher says
We have so many great positive memories of Trace and the O’Connell family beginning with all those baseball games. Watching the kids grow with ours has doubled our pleasure as parents. We know the last few years have not been easy which makes our early memories that much more important.
Working with Trace early on at Super Save Markets and again at the Health Department also bring back good memories.
Joan, Randy, Nick and Mike Bowsher
Yvette Worman says
I met Trace through our sons playing baseball together. She always had a rescue dog with her at the fields and you would hear her gentle “hey hey hey” from somewhere on the sidelines to her beloved DO (Dustin O’Connell) She was an amazing spirit. I pray for her family to recover and I pray that Trace now understands true peace. Yvette Worman
Susie Reber Orr says
I’ll always remember Trace and Mary Sather and I playing in our west side neighborhood growing up. Her dad was my dentist and her mom, Betty and Mary’s mom Aggie and my mom would coffee clatch while Trace Mary and I ran around the neighborhood until they called us in when the street lights came on! Those were the days. Good memories, and the sweetest smile ever. Her eyes just sparkled and her giggle was contagious. God speed my friend.
Mary Sather says
Mary Sather:
Oh man. Trace was always my best friend. We made ant homes and caterpillar homes. She even made me pick up the ants to put them in their home. I hated it but Trace could talk me into anything. Being very small I remember the day she talked about eating broccoli. Why would the broccoli not have feelings the same way that cows do when we eat them. Very beyond her time. She said rocks have feeling too. I remember her wiping my tears away when our dog Sean died. Her heart was way too big for this harsh world. I am serious. It was hard on her. Even as an adult we talked of things that really hurt her. I think angel is her permanent and best job for her. It is only light and love up there and she is perfect. I will call on her when I need guidance. I know she went swiftly up to heaven with Betty and Penny. No doubt. When we were pranksters in high school she was the first one they looked at. She used to get so mad! We snuck out of Susie Reber’s slumber party and Susie’s mom thought it was Trace’s idea! It could have been mine! So many great things about Trace. She was my very first friend in life. She had a super imagination when we played. That big big heart…… will be missed.
Kathy Orsello says
I was so saddened to hear about Trace. She truly was the most kind, sweetest person ever. She had a huge heart and was as beautiful inside as she was out. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family at this difficult time. May you rest in peace Trace.
Rebecca Reber says
Gone too soon. Sending my condolences to the Radley and O’Connell families. I will always remember Trace as a shining beautiful light.
Lorna Durgham says
I’m sorry for your loss Rob & family.
It’s been eons since I’ve been in MT but always loved Trace.
She lived right across the street from me & in the wee hours of the morning her house went up in flames! Not knowing Trace & family had moved out to their new home in the valley, we were terrified! The firefighters calmed us down telling us the Radley family wasn’t there & someone accidently left a rag soaked in linseed oil that caught on fire.
Needless to say, we were frightened & watched the horrible fire in my bedroom in the tower..
Every time I’d kid Trace about it, she’d laugh. Don’t think she got how terrifying it was for us little kids.
Trace was always a sweetie. Glad to read she & Rob created a wonderful family.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Loved one’s of Trace, Please accept my sincerest condolences. I’m saddended to read of her death. May your many memories help to sustain you at this most difficult time.
Judy Smith & Evy.
Curt says
Remembering the fun we had in Mr.Hayes art class at HSHS senior year…and many ,many more..love you guys..cya laterTracer..CC
Mike & Mary Root & Family says
Extending our deepest sympathy & strength to Trace family and friends at this time of sorrow and all the days ahead.
Mike & Mary Root
Ellen Kanta says
We are all Blessed with those few. One or two in a life time. Our soul mates. True loves. You know the ones. They know your deepest, darkest places. Your Fears. Hopes. Desires. They love you regardless. Even thou. Anyway. Where the meaning of unconditional comes from.
They are the ones who comfort. Who cradle. The arms you know you can relax into completely. Where you are allowed to be you. Without judgement. Where all the masks are removed. Where you are excepted,loved on the most intimate level. The one you can speak to and be heard and perfectly understood without uttering a word.
Trace was this for me and so much more.
We all knew her. We all were honored to know her. She was a Great woman,mother,wife,sister,lover,friend,animal advocate,humanitarian.
She was my Dearest Friend.
My thoughts of her now have a profound sense of lightness. A pure and over whelming knowing of Freedom.
Marcia Wall says
I did not know Trace well but remember her endearing smile and hug! The Wall family were great friends of the Radleys . . . Penny and Betty. The last time I saw Trace was at her father’s funeral and she came right over and hugged Mike and me and thanked us for attending. She made you feel so important and her eyes glistened with kindness. Trace left this earth too soon but we are not in charge of that. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you that loved her and appreciated her gifts. Remember moments in time that bring healing and comfort to your heart. God Bless you Trace and may your loving spirit be at peace. xo
JD Emmert says
Tyson, Seth, Dustin,
Just wanted to say sorry to hear about your mom. Thinking of you guys and sending my condolences. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
JD
Gary VerSteegh says
My deepest sympathy to all.
Mike King says
Our deepest sympathy to Bob and family. May God grace you with comfort at this time of sadness.
Mike, Theresa, Ryan and Maggie King
Doc Rowe says
Extending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the O’Connell and Radley families for your loss.
Dustin Rowe and family
Loyd Rowe and family
Marlene Lauretta says
We are so sorry to about Trace, she was a beautiful person. Our thoughts and prayers to Bob and the boys.
Cindy Burk says
Bob,
So sorry to hear about Trace. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Your deepest sympathy.
Dan and Cindy Burk