Elizabeth "Libby" Witt O'Connell

Elizabeth Witt O’Connell, 76, of Newark, Delaware went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Known to all as Libby, she loved in word and deed, living her life as an active grandmother, mother and friend. Born March 4th, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Libby was the daughter of Elwood and Elizabeth Witt. Libby had one older brother (Edward) and three younger sisters (Blanche, Bonnie, and Patricia). She grew up in the Penn Beach, New Jersey area and attended Pennsville High School. Libby and her siblings spent their days picking blueberries to sell for their summer pool pass, riding their bikes and swimming all day at the pool club. Libby enjoyed playing basketball and the clarinet in the marching band. Libby lived in Connecticut for a time and had two daughters Rachel Elizabeth Hale and Alicia Marie Hale. Libby later moved to Colorado to be surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. She lived both in Wheatridge, Colorado where she had her son Brian Patrick O’Connell, and Grand Junction, Colorado. Libby loved to ride her bike and camp in the mountains with her son, teaching him to value the beauty that God had created all around. Libby moved back to Delaware in 1984 to be closer to family and for Brian to get to know his grandparents. For many years she worked at Discover Card as a Fraud Analyst. Libby loved day trips to Cowtown, Shady Maple Smorgasbord, The Glass Kitchen, and Longwood Gardens. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She enjoyed gathering with family to attend the Christmas Eve service at her church, family dinner and presents, followed by a tradition of looking at the local area lighting presentations. She was also a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, watching the games with her dad, Elwood Witt. Libby was active her whole life making exercise and healthy living a priority. She could be found walking with her neighbors in her community of Village of Fox Meadow in Newark. Another interest Libby enjoyed was her weekly Ladies’ Bible Study group at Fairhill Church, where she was a member. The time spent praying and learning more about God’s Word brought her great encouragement and deepened her faith. Of all her interests none was greater than her relationship with her grandchildren. From very early days, Libby balanced working full time with building a lasting lifelong relationship with them. Over the years she enjoyed taking them for walks with the dogs, visiting Glasgow Park and the Bear Library, playing board games, watching movies, taking them to restaurants and doing puzzles. After retirement, Libby could always be found helping and volunteering at the grandchildren’s school events at Delaware Valley Classical School, as well as using her tailoring skills to keep their school uniforms fitting properly. Libby suffered a major stroke on September 5, 2025, that left her bedridden and working through physical therapy to regain the movement she so loved. Libby continued to decline, and additional health related complications led to her passing. She is now no longer in pain, and resides with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with her fully restored heavenly body. Libby was preceded in death by Elwood and Elizabeth. She is survived by her children: Brian (Rachael), Rachel, Alicia; and her grandchildren: Lynn, Matthew, Drew, Tim, Maggie and Carrie. Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Rd, Newark, DE 19711, at 10:30am on Friday, March 27, 2026. There will be a private reception for family held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Delaware Valley Classical School, 903 E Basin Rd, New Castle, DE 19720, where her grandchildren attend. To send an online condolence, please visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Elizabeth "Libby" Witt O'Connell

March 4, 1950 - March 19, 2026

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