The Rev. Michael D. O’Kelly died on January 20, 2026, at the age of 91 (1934−2026).
Michael is survived by his children, Karen O’Kelly, Kristen DeVono (Kevin), and Sean O’Kelly; his grandchildren, Michael Harris, Lauren Harris, and Joey DeVono; his sister, Sharon Youngdahl, and his brother, Dennis O’Kelly. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marilyn O’Kelly.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 PM on February 18, 2026, at his home, 253 Magnolia Ave., Clarksburg WV 26301.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to observe World Harmony Day on July 2, read his writings, engage in thoughtful conversation, or perform an act of kindness in someone else’s life practices— he believed could change the world, one moment at a time. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O’Neill died on February 11, 2025, at the age of 77 (1947-2025).
Patrick was born on March 13, 1947, in New York City NY, to William O’Neill and Elizabeth O’Neill. The youngest of seven children in an Irish Catholic family, he was raised with an emphasis on education, ethics, mutual love, and respect. Religion played a central role in his upbringing. He received his early education in the Catholic parochial school system.
As he grew older, Patrick began to question the theology of his church. His youthful impatience led him to wonder why his faith community was not actively engaged in what he considered a pursuit of righteousness. By his sophomore year of college, he had grown disenchanted with the Catholic Church. During this period, his interest in social activism grew, and he became affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Seeking a spiritual path that aligned more closely with his evolving beliefs, he became involved with the Unitarian Church. His first Unitarian worship service at the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus NJ, was a pivotal experience. He was deeply drawn to Unitarian Universalism’s emphasis on freedom, reason, tolerance, and love—values that resonated profoundly with him. This experience marked a turning point in his spiritual journey.
In 1969, Patrick graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in American history from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City NJ. Following graduation, he spent a year teaching at a public high school in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, before transitioning to social work. From 1970–1974, he dedicated himself as a social worker, gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by individuals and communities. Gradually, Patrick felt a calling to the Unitarian Universalist ministry, recognizing it as a path that would allow him to integrate his passion for social justice with his spiritual beliefs. Following this call, in 1979, he earned his Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Chicago Divinity School and his Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School.
The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was ordained to the UU ministry in 1979. He served as a settled minister for several congregations, beginning with the UU Church of Yakima WA (1979–1982), followed by the Northlake UU Church, Kirkland WA (1982–1985), the First Parish in Framingham MA (1985–1996), and the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington DE (1996–2005). During his ministry in Wilmington, he became a figure of national repute, receiving the 1999 Vision of Justice sermon award, the UUA/UUMA 2001 Annual Stewardship sermon award, and preaching for the Service of the Living Tradition at the 2005 General Assembly. His ministry at Wilmington was powerful and change-making. Under his leadership, the congregation became a Welcoming Congregation and entered into a partnership with a Transylvanian church.
From 2006–2007, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an interim minister for the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester PA. Thereafter, he continued his ministry as a settled minister at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn NY (2007–2011) and later at the Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London (2011–2016). In recognition of his lasting contributions, the First Parish in Framingham MA, honored him as their minister emeritus in 2016.
The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an excellent preacher, an approachable pastor, and a thoughtful and effective leader. His ministry thrived with pride and pleasure in his high-quality, meaningful sermons, the great spirituality he introduced into the services, and the greater community presence he brought about using talks, meetings, and public presences.
Beyond his congregational leadership, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was engaged in many denominational committees and interfaith clergy groups. He served the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee and sat on the board of the Starr King School for the Ministry from 2002–2004. He also contributed significantly to the UUMA, serving as a trustee and as a member of the UUMA Commission for Continuing Education. He was a long-time member of the Cedar Hill Study Group (1985–2016) and was the convener of the Northwest UU Ministers Study Group. He taught Thematic Preaching at Andover Newton Seminary.
The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was recognized for his exceptional ministry with several honors throughout his career. He received the Meadville Lombard Billings Prize for Excellent Preaching in 1979 and the O. Eugene Pickett Award for Congregational Growth in 1990. In 2004, his classmates honored him by selecting him to deliver the sermon for their 25th Ordination Anniversary celebration.
Patrick is survived by his wife of 39 years Patricia Williams; stepdaughter Michelle (Steve); stepson Aaron (Corrina); grandchildren Alison and Jack; sister Nora (Lou); and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Notes of condolence may be sent to Patricia Williams at petalpat@aol.com or written here. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Gerald Oelberg died on April 3, 2025, at the age of 87 (1938-2025). He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Sarah Oelberg, one brother Sanford, four children Brian, David, Joy and Sylvia, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A service of remembrance will be held on October 5, 2025 at 1:00 in the cemetery of Nora UU church, Hanska MN. Following the church service conducted by his wife, Sarah, there will be a Norwegian smorgasbord.
In memory of Gerald, UURMaPA will contribute to the Ministerial Relief Fund, which offers financial aid to ministers and partners.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. The obituary will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries, and will be available on the UURMaPA website. If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s partner obituary editor, Eleanor Richardson, grandmoot@aol.com
The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sheets Owen-Towle died on October 23, 2023, at the age of 88 (1935-2023).
Carolyn was born on July 27, 1935, in Upland CA to Millard O. Sheets and Mary B. Sheets. She grew up in Southern California and was the second of four children. As the daughter of a prominent California artist, she enjoyed the benefits of warm, nurturing family relationships and exposure to high moral and intellectual as well as artistic standards. She spent 15 years of her young adulthood volunteering in cultural, social, and educational organizations within the communities in which she lived.
Carolyn received her Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History from Scripps College CA (1957), following which she worked as a library assistant, salesperson, interior designer, and research assistant for a business consultant. She married Charles Russell Chapman and embraced the roles of wife, mother, and community volunteer. She was active in Pasadena organizations such as the Junior League, Pacific Oaks Pre-School, and the Unitarian church.
After her first marriage ended, Carolyn felt a calling to the UU ministry. Her affiliation with the UU church strengthened her attributes and consolidated her beliefs. She found that she was involved daily with people not simply on committee levels but across the board in many aspects of lives: births, deaths, and all the in-between. As time went on, she shifted her volunteer energies from the larger community to the church community. This outlined a sense of direction she was seeking. She realized that she was able to utilize all aspects of her personality in the most creative and meaningful ways becoming a UU minister. She wanted to enter a church, build upon its foundations, foster spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth, and leave it stronger than when she arrived.
In 1973, Carolyn married Rev. Tom Owen-Towle. In 1974, she began her ministerial equivalency training through the UUA Independent Study Program, and in 1978, she graduated from the University of Iowa Graduate School of Religion. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1994.
Carolyn was ordained by the First UU Church of San Diego CA on December 3, 1978, where she served together with husband Rev. Tom Owen-Towle for 24 years (1978–2002). During her co-ministry, she worked knowledgeably and agilely with children, youth, and adults and was involved in broadening educational programs for all ages. She initiated the Jr. and Sr. High programs giving significant time to junior high youth, leading to an outstanding commitment program and revitalizing an LRY group. Both ministers worked to sponsor a welcoming congregation and modeled an environment of shared ministry. They created an accepting and nurturing community that fully connected the congregation to the UU movement. The church became one of the major association supporters financially and in lay participation in denominational affairs. She retired from her active ministry in 2002 and upon retirement, the First UU Church of San Diego honored her as their minister emerita.
Rev. Owen-Towle’s ministry strived to help people evolve. Her art was to evoke power in others with sensitivity and skill and to combine the capacity to nurture with the ability to lead. She was a trailblazing leader and an early example of women in ministry. She served the denomination as a founder and president of the UU Ministerial Sisterhood (1980–1982); as the first women president of the UUSC (1983–1985); and as vice-chair and board member of the Meadville Lombard Theological School (1987–1992). She was also the first woman president of the UUMA; a settlement consultant for the Department of Ministry and a candidate for President of the UUA (1991–1993). From 2002 to 2009, she served on the Ministerial Fellowship Committee.
In San Diego, Carolyn served on the board of Planned Parenthood, the Human Rights Advisory Committee, the United African American Ministers Action Council, and the San Diego Organizing Project. She also served on the board of the Mingei International Museum, the Ilan-Lael Foundation, and the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation, reconnecting with her lifelong love for the arts. She was a recipient of multiple community awards, including the Dr. A. Brad Truax Award for her service to the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ communities. At the end of her career, she was honored with a City Council Resolution recognizing her overall ministry and community contributions.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Tom; her brother, Tony Sheets; her four children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, their mates and partners; and extended family members.
The Rev. Dr. W. Mason Olds died on March 11, 2022, at the age of 89.
W. Mason is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie; daughter, Catherine; son, D. Mason; and grandson, Cameron; as well as two sisters, Kaye Tolbert and Ann Matthews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Snyder, and by his brother, Warner Olds.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mercer University, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207. UURMaPA will contribute $50 to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Peggy Frances Owens-Mansfield, 69, the spouse of the Reverend Dr. Doak Mansfield, died 24 February 2020, at her home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. A native of Mississippi, she was born 14 June 1950 to Norris and Clara Owens. After completing high school, Peggy graduated from Jones College and from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her public life largely revolved around her work for the American Red Cross. Beginning with her decade of service as youth director for the Pensacola Chapter of the ARC (1975-85,) she took a special interest in the Red Cross Youth Program. She led the highly successful annual Leadership Training Conference (LTC) for 35 years. More than 1,200 youth participated over the years. She expanded Red Cross services for the elderly through annual holiday boxes of food.
Peggy served for 26 years (1985-2011) as executive director of the Pine Belt Red Cross in Laurel, MS. She was involved in many community efforts and organizations. The Pine Belt Chapter recruited and trained more than 1,000 volunteers under her leadership. During her tenure, the chapter responded to hundreds of small disasters such as house fires and several huge ones, topped off by Hurricane Katrina. Pine Belt volunteer responded to New York City after the attack on the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001.
“Lonesome Pines Bluegrass Park” in the Calhoun Community was the effort of her family. She worked with her father, mother and sister, along with dozens of family and friends to make the semi-annual event a significant celebration that featured such bluegrass greats as Jim and Jessie, Allison Kraus, Osbornes, and Ralph Stanley. Operated for 20 years, the last eight years it was a Pine Belt Chapter ARC fundraiser.
She was a member of Our Home Universalist Unitarian Church Ellisville, MS. Retiring in 2011 she traveled with her husband serving Unitarian Universalist Churches in Clinton, N.C., Tampa, Fla., Pasco, Wash., and Valparaiso, Fla.
Peggy is survived by her husband, and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gifts in her memory can be directed to St. Jude Hospital (Memphis), Glory House Food Project (Laurel), Jones College Community Service Scholarship Fund (Ellisville) and Animal Rescue League (Laurel).
George “Scott” Orfald was adopted as an infant by George and Dorothy Orfald of Minneapolis in 1933. He died at the age of 86 on July 26 2019, at Extendicare Peterborough (Ontario, Canada).
Family man, social worker (child and family services), community volunteer, cottager, lover of classical music and jazz, avid reader, intellectual and humanist; always a lover of animals, Scott had pets all his life (dogs, cats) without which life was incomplete. With sadness, we have seen him lose connection with so many things that brought him joy in recent years. He sometimes challenged us with his fierce independence and held on to his dignity as long as he could. He cherished his family, he expressed appreciation to his caregivers, and we are all better people for having known him and loved him.
Grieving the loss and also celebrating the love we shared are his wife, Anne Orfald; children, David (Debby Clarke), Catherine (Steev Morgan), Susan (Paul Duchene); grandchildren, Jamie (Marissa), Hannah (Jamie), Terra, Rowan, Devin and Walker; great-grandchildren, Fen, Robin and Ellie; sister, Sally (Jim Burns), and extended family and friends in the US and Canada.
Memorial donations that would honour Scott’s life are: Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough (Ontario), any animal welfare agency, any child and family service, any environmental or peace initiative.
“I have always admired your relationship with animals and your caring for nature and the environment. I hope that you see these traits reflected in your family, because I know that they are there.” [letter from a grandchild]
The Reverend Clark Olsen—parish minister and non-profit consultant, whose life was enduringly stamped by his witness of the 1965 murder of UU minister James Reeb during the Selma witness for racial justice—died on 21 January 2019, aged 85.
The Rev’d Mr. Olsen was serving in Berkeley CA in 1965 when Dr. King famously put out the call to American clergy to join him in Selma for protest and presence. “I’d like to go,” was his first thought, despite a packed schedule and no funds for the trip. But when a couple in the congregation offered to pay his way, “I suddenly had to rethink all those excuses.”
Clark in Moscow, 1954, one of two students chosen for a Soviet/American Exchange
Once there, he ran into ministerial colleagues, James Reeb and Orloff Miller, and as they left a local café, they were brutally attacked. Reeb died from his injuries two days later. Over the years, Clark returned to Selma ninety times to share his story with middle and high school students whose travel was sponsored by civil rights groups to promote understanding of those historic events. In 2015 Mr. Olsen received the UUA’s Award for Distinguished Service.
Clark Bird Olsen was born on 22 June 1933 in Boston to Arthur W. and Catherine Bird Olsen and grew up in Toledo OH. He earned a B.A. from Oberlin College (OH) in 1955 and completed ministerial study at Harvard in 1959. Following his father’s profession, he began in 1957 as a student minister to the First Unitarian Society of Westborough (MA), was ordained by them on 28 October 1959 and continued there until 1962. Parish settlements then followed at the Berkeley (CA) Fellowship of UUs (1962–68) and the Morristown (NJ) Unitarian Fellowship (1968–78). In the 1980s, he shifted his career to corporate and non-profit consulting.
At his death, Clark was survived by his second wife, Anna (Rogers) Olsen, children Marika and Todd, and brother Lee. A memorial service was scheduled for 2 February 2019 at the UU Congregation of Asheville NC. Notes of condolences may be sent to Anna Olsen at 23C Trillium Ct, Asheville NC 28805.
The Rev. Judith Brown Osgood, 66, died June 4, 2009 at Milford Region Medical Center, Milford, MA. Born in Connecticut, she earned degrees at the University of Hartford, St. Joseph College and Starr King. An inner city, outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program director, she was called to the UU ministry. She was honored with the UUWF’s Feminist Theology Award for researching and collecting sermons of Pacific Coast lay and clergywomen. She served congregations in WY, MA, and CT, while still doing counseling. She found her true calling as a hospice chaplain. At the time of her death she was employed by Jewish Health Services in Worcester, MA. Judith trained with her yellow Lab, Thompson, to work in a reading education program (teams encourage children to read by having the dogs present as non-judgmental listeners). She was a life member of the United States Tennis Association, who loved spending time with her grandchildren and her Lab. She also made time to enjoy gardening, fishing, and was a Red Sox fan. Survivors include her life partner Wendy Innis; her children, Daphne Lynn Sanford and Benjamin Ward Dunning; her brother and four grandchildren.
Janet Hooper Osborn, widow of the Rev. David Osborn, died Dec. 22, 2004, in Albuquerque, NM where she and David had moved after retirement from the ministry. Janet served as national co-chair of the Volunteer Service Corps to UUSC Board and later as consultant to the Volunteer Program. She had a passion for social justice. She retained her dignity and grace as her body became increasingly frail late in life.
