Judith Mary Connor

Judith Mary Connor, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on September 17th, 2024. She was a long-time resident of Wayne, PA. She was born on September 5th, 1942, in Hazleton, PA to John “Jack” Sharkey and Jule Martz Sharkey.

She graduated from St. Gabriels High School in 1960. She married James Connor and raised her children. Later, she resumed her education. She graduated cum laude from King’s College with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology. She earned a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Scranton. She worked with troubled youth until her retirement in 2007.

Judith excelled at everything she tried. She was a skilled cook and baker. She delighted family and friends with her culinary creations, and she tried new recipes throughout her life. She crafted beautiful ceramics, including a set of liquor bottles representing each country which her father treasured. She became a skilled gardener after learning the basics of gardening from a neighbor.

Judith was an avid Scrabble player and Phillies fan. She loved fashion, home décor and useful objects. She was passionate about politics, and she was a registered Democrat like her mother and father before her. She loved animals, including her beloved English bulldogs Bailey and Duffy. Judith instilled in her children intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a joy for life.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents and her older brothers Jackie Sharkey and Jimmy Sharkey. She was also recently preceded in death by her best friend since elementary school, Marian Harris of Hazleton.

Judith is survived by her daughter Carla Eve Connor JD, daughter-in-law Mary Spinozzi Connor, and grandson Alexander James Connor, and her daughter Colleen Marie Connor MD, son-in-law Igor Koutsenko, and granddaughter Eve Raisa Judith Koutsenko.

A Celebration of Life ceremony in her honor will be held on a future date to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA or Main Line Animal Rescue.