Greta M. O'Connor

Beloved wife of the late Deacon Edward T. O’Connor; loving mother of Dr. Thomas E. (Diane) O’Connor, Eileen A. (James) Murphy, Dennis J. (Melissa) O’Connor, Mary Patrice Koenig, Theresa J. (Scott) Goodman and the late Mary O’Connor. Dear grandmother of Viacheslav, Andrei, Natalia and Patrick Murphy, Kyle McKleish, Erin and Joseph O’Connor, Brian Koenig, Kelley Weusthoff and Lauren, Alyssa and Connor Goodman; great-grandmother of Caroline and Charlotte; sister of the late John R. Sheehan; sister-in-law of the late Regina A. (late Cyril) Toomey; and friend to many.

Greta was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 15, 1924 to John Joseph Sheehan and Mae Ellen Molloy Sheehan. She had one older brother, John Raymond Sheehan, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge under General Patton. He was 15 years her senior. Greta was raised in Overland, Missouri during the “Depression” years. Her father was a self-employed blacksmith, whose shop was put out of business by the newly invented automobile. Her mother was a gifted seamstress who did “piece work” in a shirt factory. These were pre-union times and working conditions were harsh and unsafe.

Like many families of the time, Greta’s family struggled. She had a difficult childhood which included battles with contagious illnesses like measles and scarlet fever, as well as housing difficulties, including the destruction of the family home by fire. These things would harden many a lesser woman, but they only made Greta stronger, more resilient and more appreciative of the gifts she had.

Although her upbringing was anything but privileged, she was fortunate that her Overland home was in close proximity to Meadowbrook Country Club. During the winter, Greta and her friends would sneak onto the property to ice skate and sleigh ride. During the summer, they would search for stray golf balls, scrub them up and sell them to the players for $0.25 per ball (enough to pay for a Sunday movie, popcorn and round-trip bus fare to the show). She was thrilled to spy some celebrity legends playing the course, including Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Come nightfall, she and her friends would eavesdrop on the musical renderings of some of the clubs honored guests such as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw. She cherished all of these moments.

One of Greta’s favorite past times was sports. She had a playful, yet competitive spirit and enjoyed any activity involving a ball. Her older brother taught her at an early age how to play the “boy sports.” She could out run and out hit most of the boys and was often chosen before them for pickup games. As a result of all of this activity and exercise, and because she was so very strong, Greta went on to be a star athlete. She excelled in multiple sports including, softball, volleyball and her favorite, basketball. Greta continued to play on teams into her 60’s and could be seen playing ball with her family well into her 90’s.

Greta was a gifted student. She won a 4 year scholarship to Incarnate Word Academy for High School and another 4 year scholarship to Maryville University. Unfortunately, Greta’s mother passed early in her college career, which necessitated that she withdraw from school after just 2 years. She remained a very clever woman and lifelong learner. She was a master at crossword puzzles and will always be regarded as the family Scrabble Champion.

In 1950, Greta was introduced to a student at St. Louis University, a former seminarian, Ed O’Connor. After just 8 months, they were engaged and married in May, 1951. In April of the following year, Greta and Ed welcomed their first born, Tom, into the family. They were thrilled. The fun was just beginning. They would go on to have 5 more children, Mary, who sadly lived only 15 days, Eileen, Dennis, Mary Pat and Terri.

Greta and Ed spent much of their lives as members of St. Gabriel’s Church and parish. It was here that the children all received an excellent education and were allowed to participate in sports, music and scouts. Greta loved this parish and was a very active member. She was a Boy Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Marion Award Director, Room Mother, Sodality Member, Lunch Room Assistant and Librarian. She even drove the St. Gabriel’s school bus on occasion.

While living a very simple and humble lifestyle, Greta and Ed somehow found a way to create excitement and adventure in their lives. On a shoestring budget, they planned unforgettable vacations all across the country and beyond. In their little gold station wagon, with a canoe strapped to the top, they drove from Montana to Maryland, Boca Raton to Banff. They gave their children an appreciation of the great outdoors and a sense of adventure that they have passed on to their children.

As her children grew, so did the tuition bills. Greta rejoined the work force and found a rewarding career at everyone’s favorite government agency, the IRS. Greta worked here until she retired in 1992. Her husband Ed, who by this time was Deacon Ed, died after a long battle with cancer in 1994.

In the years since Ed’s death, Greta stayed very active. She was not simply a mother, but a confidante and best friend. She was a proud, generous and warm grandmother who loved spending time with her many grandchildren, all of whom are absolutely certain that they were her “favorite.” Greta had the gift of making everyone feel incredibly special!

In 2011, Greta was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over time, she lost her ability to live independently and communicate clearly. Alzheimer’s stole a portion of Greta that her family missed dearly over the years. Even during these difficult times, Greta’s beautiful light and strong spirit was enough to shine through. She remained joyful, kind and loving. She had a gorgeous smile and bright, sparkling eyes and said “I love you” to everyone all throughout the day. She was a precious and gentle soul and will be missed by all who had the joy of knowing her.

SERVICE: Visitation Monday, December 16, 2019, 11:00 am at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 6303 Nottingham Ave. 63109 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 pm. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Greta’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Missouri Chapter, 9370 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132.