Marina was without question, the least selfish person I’ve ever met and spent lots of time with. She was also without question, the most generous person I’ve ever met and spent time with. She did things for me and for members of my family that she didn’t have to do. She always thought about everyone else but herself. She always put peoples own perspectives before her own. She always cared so deeply about those around her. She absolutely loved having grandkids and getting to spend time with them and treating them to fun activities whether it was myself, my older brother Connor, my cousin Kerry, Danny, or my twin cousins Sophia and Alex. She always worked very hard to provide for my mom and her siblings. She always brought with her that same blue-collar work ethic that those in her home state of Ohio bring with them to work every single day. She defined and always put on display what true Midwestern values are. She was a professional at displaying those same Midwest values that most people here in the Midwest try to live by and put on display every single day. She displayed those same values whether she was in Ohio, Kansas, or right here in Missouri. She always approached things with a positive attitude and never let things get the best of her. Those are some things that I without a doubt could definitely improve upon. The time that I spent with her and the memories from those times I spent with her will be memories that I cherish for the rest of my life. I’m incredibly thankful that she was able to see me accomplish the milestones that I’ve accomplished in my life. She lived 82 great years and made the absolute most out of those years and made every day in her life count. She’s in a great place right now after 82 great years and I’m very thankful for that. 

My condolences and love to the Tomlin and O'Connor family for the loss of your beloved sister, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin, and dear friend to all.  Marina was a beautiful person inside and out.  She was so loving and one of the kindest people I was fortunate enough to know.  She took such loving care of her family and I am so grateful she was and still is the loving grandmother to my children Kerry and Danny (who is with her now in Heaven with her other departed family).   Her calm confident presence and her enduring sweet smile always made you always feel welcome and loved.    She clearly  loved her family so dearly and leaves a beautiful legacy behind. I will be forever grateful of the love and attention she always gave to her grandchildren and family.   Kerry and Danny loved being around her and the rest of the  Kansas City Tomlin/O'Connor fun family crowd!!  Lots of amazing memories were made and shared.   I chose this family photo that I am so grateful we took of our families together at Kerry's graduation in 2015.   Marina was always so determined to take the time and effort to support her grandchildren at all their special life events!  It meant so much to Kerry and all of us that day to have her there and  to celebrate with us all.   Wishing you all much needed comfort, blessings, and beautiful memories of dear Marina that we all will hold dearly in our hearts. 

I was thinking about the last conversation with Marina, we talked about how she met Jim,  about her being a nurse , how I always liked the picture of her and mom  together in their nurses uniforms, of course we always talked about our  children and grandchildren.  She never spoke unkind words about anyone. It was and still is a blessing having Marina as my oldest sister. I truly miss the calm voice  on the other end of the phone.

Carolyn Louise

To have Marina as my friend and neighbor for over 30 years was a blessing. When I learned that she died on March 21, I instantly thought how much she enjoyed flower-gardening and the change of seasons. One year when she was out of town as spring arrived, I walked across the street and into her back yard to photograph her plants awakening in order to share that with her when I welcomed her back home. Our husbands and our children also became well acquainted; so there are a lot of memories to recall. I'm grateful for those many interactions and now offer my condolences to the family. -- Beverly Whitaker

All of the Volunteers at the Manor Thrift Shop would like to extend there deepest condolences to your family. Marina was a wonderful, kind, gentle and reliable soul. A true pleasure to work with. We miss her terribly.
Also, she loved her pears 😊.

Life Unlimited

Our Lady of Mercy Country Home

Visitation

Mass of Christian Burial

Committal Service

Reception

Children:Craig (Judit), Carolyn, Jennifer (Dave), and Matthew (Noelle) and grandchildren, Kerry O’Connor, Connor Wolenski, Sean Wolenski, Alexander O’Connor, and Sophia O’Connor. She is also survived by siblings Sylvia Tomlin, Anna Tomlin, Charles (Lola) Tomlin, James Tomlin, John (Mary) Tomlin, Robert (Toni) Tomlin, and Carolyn Tomlin and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

OBITUARY

Marina C. O'Connor

October 3, 1936 – March 21, 2019

McGilley Antioch Chapel

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