Mary O'Connor

Born in 1934 in County Offaly Ireland, Mary immigrated to England and then to the United States in 1953 where she made her home. She was employed by St. Francis Hospital, was a stay-at-home mother, returned to work at General Electric, and finally was a care provider for the elderly.

Mary was predeceased by her husband David (born County Clare Ireland), son Patrick, daughter-in-law Susan, grandson Keagan; her brothers Sean, James, William and Christy; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Mary is survived by her children Rita, Brian, Peter, Clare and Neil, daughters-in-law Teresa and Grace, sons-in-law Michael and Dennis, grandchildren Nicole and her husband Eric, David and his wife Kelly, Brian, Olivia, Evan, Aiden, Christopher and his wife Tina, Lindsey, and great grandchildren Marley, Cash and Kollins.

Mary is also survived by her sister Cait, brother Thomas and his wife Peggy all of County Offaly Ireland, sister-in-law and dear friend Kay O’Donnell of North Carolina, many adoring nieces and nephews, countless friends and neighbors.

Mary was a loving woman of tremendous faith, a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church of East Hartford, as well as a Catechism teacher. She lived her life in service to so many people, too many to list but most especially Marc, Inc. of Manchester. Mary volunteered for many years at the agency which provides services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She served on multiple committees but will be remembered most for her compassion and kindness to clients, staff and volunteers.

A gifted sewer, Mary was known as the seamstress for the neighborhood, her specialty both creating and altering wedding dresses. She loved to chat, tell stories and could recite mile-long poems from her childhood. On Thursday nights she played setback at the Irish American Home Society and often had to be called back to the card table because she was socializing with all of the other folks. She was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and all who entered her kitchen became part of the team to finish the day’s puzzle.

Anyone who graced the kitchen table at Yale Road knows it was like stepping back in time to an old pub in Ireland. The kitchen was filled with Irish music, dancing and love; and made even more special when Mary played the accordion. Many family and friends learned their first waltz in that kitchen, all taught by Mary.

Mary’s family would like to thank Brookdale South Windsor and Masonicare for their professional and loving care.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 10am at St. Mary Church, 15 Maplewood Ave., East Hartford, CT. Burial will be private. The Benjamin Callahan Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Marc, Inc. of Manchester, 151 Sheldon Road, Manchester, CT 06042.