Eleanor devoted ten years of her life as an assistant teacher at Jack & Jill Preschool, where she touched the lives of countless young children with her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit before retiring. She was a faithful member of St. Philomena Catholic Church, where her deep devotion to her faith was evident through her involvement in the choir and her service as a Eucharistic Minister. One of the ministries closest to her heart was bringing Holy Communion to shut-ins, offering comfort, prayer, and companionship to those who were unable to attend Mass.
In her retirement years, she found her greatest joy in spending time with her beloved family. She expressed her love in many ways, especially through cooking and sharing meals together. She was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved cheering for Michigan State University, the Detroit Tigers, and the Detroit Lions.
She also enjoyed playing cards and was always ready for a good game of euchre or poker with family and friends. She loved visiting the casino, where she especially enjoyed playing poker and trying her luck at the slot machines. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing basketball and softball in school, and she carried her love of sports and friendly competition throughout her life. She also loved bowling and spent many happy years participating in bowling leagues with her husband, creating cherished memories and friendships along the way.
Above all, she will be remembered for her caring heart, her strong faith, and the love she shared so generously with her family, friends, and community. Her warmth, dedication, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Karen R (Kenny Hare) Mullins, Kelli C. (Scott) Bischoff; daughters-in-law, Jackie Brenner, Pam Van Coillie; grandchildren, Allison (Joey) Stein, Brendan O'Connor, Kaylyn O'Connor, Ella Bischoff, Griffin O'Connor, Adeline O'Connor; great-grandchildren, Haisley Stein, Owen Stein; her sisters, Gloria Sanders, Virginia Rader; sisters-in-law, Vivian Mualem, Joanne Mualem; and many nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marun and Rose Mualem; her loving husband, Charles Patrick O'Connor; sons, Charles G. O'Connor, Robert M. O'Connor; brothers, Leon Mualem, Elias Mualem, Marun R. Mualem; sister, Alice Mualem; brothers-in-law, Arnie Sanders, Al Rader.
Visitation will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, on March 20, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Instate will take place at St. Blasé Catholic Church, 12151 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312, on March 21, 2026, from 9:00 am until a Funeral Mass at 9:30 am.
