Katherine Maurine O'Connor

Katherine (Kay) Maurine Braun O’Connor, of Roeland Park, KS, passed away peacefully in her home on the 3rd of April, 2014, at the age of 91. Kay was born June 28th 1922, on a farm in Edgerton, KS, the daughter of Ernest and Maurine Kelly Braun. She graduated with a teacher’s certificate from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, KS, and taught 1st – 8th grade in rural Johnson County in a one-room school house. During WWII, she was an office worker at the Sunflower Ammunition plant, in support of the war efforts. She married her fourth grade sweetheart, William Joseph O’Connor of Gardner, KS on the feast of the Holy Family, on December 29th, 1945. From that point on, her vocation was her family which included raising her eight children, encouraging their faith journey and empowering each child in developing their talents and interests. She was an active member of St. Agnes Parish volunteering in PTO and on the Altar Society till she was 89. She was a faithful supporter of her children and grandchildren, attending dance recitals, choir performances, theatre productions, sporting events and chaperoning school and Girl Scout overnights and field trips. In her spare time, she enjoyed the company of her Bible study group, quilting, preparing meals for St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, actively supporting seminarians with the Serra Club and fulfilling her civic duty on the Board of Elections for over 25 years. As the original “multi-tasker,” she often joked that in addition to managing all the activities of her husband and children, she still managed to “have dinner ready too.” Throughout their marriage, Kay and Bill enjoyed their leisure time including travels to Europe, multiple trips to Ireland to visit family, Farmers Insurance Topper Club Conventions, the annual Catholic Charities Snowball and square dancing. Kay loved playing bridge with St. Agnes, Bishop Miege, and the Delta Delta Delta Mother’s Bridge Clubs.

She was preceded in death by her husband William J. O’Connor, sisters Mary Margaret Braun, Sister Mary Suzanne Braun, SCL. She is survived by three brothers, Gerald Braun, Lee’s Summit, MO, Bernard Braun, Olathe, KS and Frank Braun, Tulsa, OK. Children include Katherine Bruner (Steve), Lawrence, KS., Mary Dailey (Tom), Leawood, KS, Sherri Sobek (Jim), Lenexa, KS, William J. O’Connor Jr, Roeland Park, KS, Sheila O’Connor (Gerry Sigmon), Asheville, NC, Ann Waters (Bill), Parkville, MO, Kelly Specht (Bob), Overland Park, KS, Patricia Orth (Jim), Prairie Village, KS. Grandchildren, Margaret Kenefake (Jerry), Jen Mier (David), Katie Soff (Jesse), Amy Mariner, Brian Sobek, and Dan Sobek (Ashley), Abigail Sigmon, Brendan, Ryan, Sean Waters, and Megan Shepherd (Tyler), Carl, Connor Specht, Maureen, AJ,Will Orth and nine great-grandchildren, Trey, Thomas, Vivian Kenefake, Anna, Abby Mier, Kellen, Julian Soff, Harvey, Finn Mariner.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Peter Holt, her physician, and to the caregivers of Comprehensive Elder Care for their patience, kindness and compassion. But most of all, we would like to acknowledge our brother, Bill O’Connor Jr, for his attentive care which enabled us to honor our mothers wishes to remain in her home, until she could be reunited with her favorite dance partner, our Dad. “Your mother is always with you. She’s the place you came from, your first home, and she’s the map you follow with every step you take.”

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 8th at 10 am at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5250 Mission Road, Roeland Park, Kansas. Private inurnment at a later date. The visitation will be on Monday evening from 5-7 pm at St. Agnes Church with the rosary beginning at 5 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Parish 5250 Mission Rd Roeland Park, KS 66205 or Kansas City Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care 12000 Wornall Rd, KC MO 64145. Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhoge.com.

Arr: McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.