Janet O’Connor

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard O’Connor.

She is survived by her four children: Gail Mellow (Diana), Pine Plains, N.Y.; Brian O’Connor (Susan), Lakewood, N.Y., Susan Bell (Rick), Middleburg, FL; Colleen Norris (David), Rocky River, OH; 10 grandchildren: Nicole, Megan, Sean, Ryan, Adam, Eric, Molly, Ashley, Vanessa, Kevin and 19.5 great-grandchildren.

Janet was born to Eugene and Catherine Wagner on September 12, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, where she was raised. She graduated from Holy Angels Catholic High School. As a young adult she worked atZims Soda Fountain, where she met the love of her life Richard “Dick” O’Connor. They were married for 61 years. Before having children she worked as a telephone operator for AT&T, but once children arrived she was a stay at home mom for many years.

She lived in Buffalo until 1962 when the family moved to Jamestown, NY. In 1983 she and Dick moved to Florida.

One of her proudest accomplishment was owning a Merle Norman Cosmetic store, which she started in 1970. She was a woman business owner way before it became a trend! In 1984 she became a licensed Realtor.

Janet was a faith filled woman and her Catholic faith was the center of her life. She was active in church activities and was a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Janet looked at the positive side of things. When asked about her life she would always say “I am blessed!” Her positive energy ensured she was surrounded by a large friend network wherever she lived. She spent time volunteering at local schools and with Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift store. She loved golfing, Dominos, Mahjong, but her favorite activity was playing cards. In her Assisted Living facility she received the nickname “speedy” because even with her walker she never walked slowly!

A private memorial service for the family is being planned for a later date. Memorial contributions in honor of Janet O’Connor can be made to the Associate Holiday Fund, Brookdale Orange Park 1248 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, Florida 32073 and/or Saint Vincent de Paul at St Catherine Catholic Church 1649 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073 ( https://membership.faith direct.net/ give now/ FL652/19765)