Mrs. Maureen Grace O’Connor, 76, died Saturday, December 20, 2014 at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 23, at the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will be at the New Vernon Cemetery on Glen Alpin Road in Morristown.
Mrs. O’Connor was born in Buffalo and lived in Verona, Lexington, N.Y., and Palm City, Fla. She was a graduate of Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.
Throughout her life she was a passionate advocate for children. She worked with many different organizations including the Light of the World Foundation, with which she traveled to Guatemala and Lithuania to work directly with children in need, in addition to the Hibiscus Children’s Center in Stuart, Fla. She also enjoyed helping to fulfill Christmas wishes for disadvantaged families in Florida and New Jersey.
Her passion for helping others continued with her support of new ventures such as the Tradition Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. She was member of the Harbour Ridge Club in Palm City and the Montclair Golf Club in West Orange.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 55 years, William R. O’Connor. She was the devoted mother to her six children: Daniel J. O’Connor of Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla.; Timothy V. O’Connor of Harding Township; Michael J. O’Connor of Essex Fells; William R. O’Connor, Jr. of Verona; John P. O’Connor of East Stroudsberg, Pa.; and Kathleen G. Olson (nee O’Connor) of Madison. She was the much-loved grandmother to thirteen grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Schutz.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
