Helene Schmid O'Connell

Augusta, GA -- Helene Schmid O’Connell, aged 93, passed away on December 24, 2025. She was born on January 22, 1932, to Helena Schmid (Käsmayr) and Franz Schmid in Augsburg, Germany. The family emigrated to the United States in 1938 to live in New York. Helene graduated from Walton High School and the Katharine Gibbs School. Helene met Francis X. O’Connell while working as an executive assistant on Wall Street. The two wed in 1952 and Helene naturalized her United States Citizenship in 1954.

Helene loved her family, a good murder mystery, antiques, the arts, politics and giving gifts. (Not necessarily in that order.) She was a voracious reader and self-taught crafter, lover of color, and decorator who created beauty in whatever medium she chose to work. Helene worked for many years in the antiques and estate business, sharing her unique talent for organization and her eye for style (especially the “proper” height at which to hang pictures).

Helene is survived by her daughter, Lisbeth O’Connell-Klebba (Curtis Klebba), her grandsons Evan (Megan), Aidan (Casey) and Graham (Monica) and great-grandsons Thomas, Linus, Gabriel and Matthew.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Francis X. (Pel) O’Connell, her brother, Franz Schmid and her parents, Helena and Franz Schmid.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 2, 2026. The family will receive friends, starting at 10:15 A.M. in the church narthex. At Helene’s request, you are encouraged to wear colorful attire. Her favorite colors were red and yellow; it would bring her joy to see you in one of them.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center are appreciated.

Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com