Mary Patricia O'Connor

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better...this is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mary Patricia (Patty) O'Connor passed away on July 19, 2025 in her home in Mission Viejo, CA in the care of her loving family, having exemplified all of the hallmarks of a successful life. Born in San Diego on October 26, 1944, to John and Mildred Horry, Patty and her siblings Larry and Rosy were raised in China Lake, California. Graduating from high school in a senior class of 22, Patty exhibited all of the signs of a natural leader.

Patty attended Pasadena City College and Cal State Los Angeles, earning a bachelor's degree in education. She then earned her teaching credential at UCLA, completing her student teaching in Boyle Heights. This allowed Patty to begin a storied career in education. She taught in Baldwin Park for five years and then transitioned to Irvine where she taught for 29 years, receiving the Teacher of the Year Award in 1986/1987. During this time, Patty earned a master's degree in education from Azusa Pacific University. A no-nonsense individual, Patty was known to urge long-winded speakers at staff meetings to "put it in a nutshell" much to the gratitude of everyone.

From elementary school, Patty used her broad-based experience and knowledge to instruct future teachers at Concordia University and to supervise numerous student teachers. Seeking to better the lives of others, Patty worked tirelessly for the opening and successful operation of the Village of Hope (Orange County Rescue Mission) for ten years.

Married for 59 years to her husband Bob, Patty is mother to Ben and grandmother to Duston and Brittany. She leaves behind not only her family, but also countless friends who delighted in her quick wit, inventive story- telling, and droll sense of humor. Patty also enriched the lives of a vast number of former students who will forever remember her call to attention by addressing them as "Friends."

A devout Christian, Patty along with her husband were active at Community Christian Church in San Juan Capistrano for 20 years. They were also active members at South Coast Church in Dana Point for 10 years and members of Mission Hills Church in Mission Viejo before the Lord called Patty home.

A memorial service will be held at Mission Hills Church, located at 24162 Alicia Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691. The service is scheduled for September 2, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.