YORKTOWN — Ann O’Connor, 85, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Newport News.
Originally from Washington State, she moved several times as a child due to her father’s service in the U.S. Army. She had many fond childhood memories of living in San Francisco, California; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Decatur, Illinois. It was while living in Puerto Rico that she decided to become a Catholic, following her grandmother’s advice to find her own way.
Ann married the love of her life, Chris E. O’Connor Jr., while in college in San Antonio, Texas. Following the marriage, they moved to Lawton, Oklahoma, where all six of their children were born. While in Lawton, Ann was a founding member of St. Barbara Catholic Church.
Her children were the light of her life. They describe her as the most unconditionally loving mother possessing a laugh that brightens all around her. She was a lifelong learner and a voracious reader. A talented seamstress and crafter, she lovingly created clothing, crocheted throws and handcrafted holiday decorations for her family.
In 1975, Ann and her family moved to Hampton, where she was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. In 2018, they moved to Yorktown to be closer to several of their children. She and Chris are members of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dolores and Alex Hazuda; and brother, Alex Hazuda Jr.
Ann was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Chris E. O’Connor Jr.; her children, Mary Jane O’Connor of Salt Lake City, Utah, Eileen O’Connor of Hampton, Chris O’Connor III (Colleen) and Michael “Mickey” O’Connor (Laura), all of Yorktown, Dennis O’Connor (Joseph Lennon) of New York and Kevin O’Connor (Lisa) of St. Petersburg, Florida; three sisters, Dr. Helen Hazuda of San Antonio, Texas, Mary Hazuda of Carrollton, Texas, and Mary Elaine Webster (John) Olympia, Washington; grandchildren, Chris O’Connor IV (Beth) of Burke, Colin O’Connor (Liz) of Sterling Heights, Michigan, Kathryn Ford (Ryan) and Laura Elizabeth O’Connor, all of Yorktown, Mary O’Connor of Virginia Beach, Max Ririe, Erik Ririe (Tiana) and Alex Ririe, all of Salt Lake City, and Maris Johannsen (Jessica Kubiseck) St. Petersburg, Florida; and five great-grandchildren.
A Rosary service will be held at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Amory Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service. A Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
Memorials may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
