Isabelle Burke O'Connor

O’CONNOR, Isabelle Burke, 87, passed away on Tuesday November 4, 2014, at Carrollwood Care Center in Tampa, Florida, where she had been residing for the past 2 years. One of 12 children, Isabelle was born on November 1, 1927 in New Orleans to Phyllis and Eddie Burke. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lawrence O’Connor of Tampa, FL. She is also survived by her 4 children- Lawrence III (Lori) of Tewksbury, NJ, Michael (Brenda) of Fayetteville, GA, Patrick (Brenda) of Naples, FL, and Cindy Chapman of Sedona, AZ, as well as 5 grandchildren- Lawrence O’Connor IV, Jennifer O’Connor Keller (Bryan), Logan O’Connor (Turea), Alec Chapman and Catherine Chapman. Izy was the quintessential southern belle who never lost her New Orleans accent-despite living in the north for many years. She was energetic, fun-loving and charming. To her grandchildren she was the “fun” Granny who delighted in playing soccer with her grandchildren in the backyard and taking them to Busch Gardens! There were no strangers to Izy- only people she had yet to meet! She and Larry had the opportunity to live in many places during their life together, and wherever they resided she was quick to make friends. She was an avid golfer, belonging for many years to Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown, NJ and later a member at Carrollwood Village Country Club. She reveled in the fact that she had a “hole in one”. She also loved to run, and participated in the Gasparilla race in Tampa for many years, often winning in her age group. One of her proudest moments was to compete in the Gasparilla with her son Pat, daughter Cindy, and grandchildren Larry, Logan and Jennifer- a fete that was documented in the Tampa Tribune. Izy will be missed by all those she loved and loved her. A wake will be held Sunday November 9 from 3-6 pm at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel 3207 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church 12708 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa at 10 am on Monday November 10, with interment to follow at Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Ave in Bushnell, Fl at 1:00 pm. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, a donation be considered to Life Path Hospice. Their information can be found at www.chapterhealth.org, with a link to Life Path Hospice. All arrangements are under the direction of Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel.