Mary O'Connor

Mary Nora O'Connor

(Jan. 4, 1923- July 21, 2019)

Mary Nora (Herold) O'Connor was born on January 4, 1923 at home on the family farm of parents Carl A. and Margaret L. (Killoy) Herold near Richland Center, Wisconsin.  Mary passed away peacefully at age 96 of natural causes early Sunday morning July 21, 2019 in Fruita, Colorado.

Mary attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated from Richland Center High School in 1940.  She worked on the family farm during World War II and later at the Richland Center Savings and Loan Association.  Mary married Leo O'Connor on February 4, 1948 in Richland Center, Wisconsin and together they farmed in the Excelsior, Wisconsin area. Five children were born to this union- Denis, Michael, Rita, Kathy, and Rose. In 1962, they left the farm and moved to Greeley, Colorado because of Leo's health.

While in Greeley, Mary worked as a bookkeeper, a salesperson at McDonald's Fashions and Hickory Farms, and provided day care for many children in their home. Leo died in Greeley on February 15th, 1989.

She moved to Fruita, Colorado in 2010 to be near family.

Mary belonged to the Altar and Rosary at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greeley where she was a member for 48 years. She belonged to National Catholic Society of Foresters. She also belonged to NCCW while attending Sacred Heart parish in Fruita.

Mary enjoyed gardening, nature, baking, embroidery, acrylic painting and quilting.  She hand quilted a quilt for each of her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the many visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren and also of old friends, neighbors and nieces and nephews, including her church family.

Mary was patriotic, always flying the flag and rarely  missed a parade.  She donated blood regularly for over 50 years. Mary was very proud of her German and Irish heritage.

Preceeded in death by husband Leo, parents Carl and Margaret Herold, brother Emmett Herold, son Michael O'Connor, and grandson Gary Abbott.

Survived by son Denis O'Connor of Ouray,CO, daughters Rita (Jerry) Watson of Fruita, CO, Kathy O'Connor of Fruita, CO, and Rose (Steve) Cochran of Meeker, CO.  Grandchildren Randy Abbott of Grand Junction, CO, Sean (Shanon) O'Connor of Commerce City, CO, Daniel O'Connor of Greeley, CO, Eric O'Connor of Westminster, CO, Stacy Cochran of Edwards, CO, and Tyler Cochran of Indianapolis, IN. Step grandchildren Denise Lopez of AZ and Jeff Watson of ID. Also survived by 10 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Kathryn Herold of Richland Center, WI, brother-in-law Edward O'Connor of Blue River, WI, numerous nieces and nephews of WI. and special godson Father Tom Kelley of Cross Plains, WI.

Rosary will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1210 17 1/2 Road, Fruita on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 10:00 , followed by Mass of the Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M.  Her final resting place will be burial at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley, CO on Friday, July 26, 2019 at 2:00 P.M.

The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at the Oaks, and the compassionate, loving care Mary received through Hope West Hospice.

Flowers may be sent to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita.  Donations may be made to Sacred Heart Youth Group or Holy Family School in Grand Junction.