Mary D. O'Connor

Native Staten Islander, Mary D. O’Connor, 88, of Westerleigh, a former teacher and a devoted wife and mother died on May 19, 2025 at home after a long illness. She was born on February 6, 1937 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Staten Island to Harry and Gertrude Smith. She attended Blessed Sacrament School and St. Peter’s Girls High School. Mrs. O’Connor received her Bachelor’s degree from St. Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ. She was united in marriage in 1961 at Blessed Sacrament RC Church to her devoted husband Richard. The couple settled in Westerleigh and enjoyed 49 years together until Richard’s death in 2010.

While raising her children, she attended the College of Staten Island and earned her Master’s Degree in Education. Mrs. O’Connor was a 3rd grade teacher at PS 29 for many years. She spent her summers at Hillside Swim Club and enjoyed camping with her family and traveling to many national parks throughout the United States.

She was a talented tennis player who participated in matches at Hillside Swim Club and at the Kapalua Tennis Center. Mrs. O’Connor also enjoyed playing bridge and attending the US Open every year with both family and friends. She delighted in time spent with her children, extended family and friends and especially doting on her grandchildren.

In her retirement, she spent the winters in Maui, Hawaii with her husband Richard, along with their many visitors. Mrs. O’Connor also traveled extensively throughout Europe, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand.

Mrs. O’Connor is survived by her sons Richard III and Patrick (Harry) O’Connor; daughters Sandra Akstulewicz (James) and Elizabeth (Ricky) O’Connor; her grandchildren Kevin, Ryan and Connor Akstulewicz; her brothers Harry(Katherine) and Brian (Kathi) Smith; her brother –in-law Joseph Curran and sister-in-law Ethel Curran.