Patricia Ann O'Connor

Patricia Ann Becker was born in Johnstown, Colorado on December 9, 1936 to Joseph W. Becker and Dessie Maxine (Mellon) Ball. She lived in the house she was born in for several years as a young girl. Her two children fondly recount how she would often talk about precious memories of her Shetland pony, “Midget," who she would ride as a five-year-old from the family's farm into town to get a candy bar at the corner drug store. Later, her mom moved the kids to Salt Lake City, Utah. Looking to do something exciting when she was older, she became a stewardess for United Airlines. On one of her last remaining flights, before a planned move to Australia, she met Bill O'Connor. She didn't think much of it at the time, but a few weeks later, Bill called her and asked her to dinner. Bill, a USAF officer, came to pick her up in his uniform, and although she had always said she wouldn't go out with a military man, she took a chance, and by the end of their date she was in love. Shortly after, she left United Airlines and married the love of her life, William Gilbert O'Connor. They were married for 52 joyous years and were rarely apart. In earlier years, they enjoyed traveling and lived in quite a few different cities - even living a short time in Paris, France. In her later years, Pat also enjoyed some travel but took true joy in the time spent with her family, especially her four grandchildren. One of her favorite things to do was to go out for lunch or dinner with family and friends.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband the late William Gilbert O’Connor and her brother Joseph D. Becker. She is survived by her son Michael (Laura) O’Connor; daughter Caroline “Corrie” (Paul) Creasman; her brother Russell (Joyce) Becker and brother Steven (Kristine) Ball. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kaitlin (Eric) Faulkner, Michael William George O’Connor, Andrew J. Creasman and Emily Anne Creasman as well as many friends.

A memorial service, (date & time to be determined) will be held at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 East Broadway Road in Mesa with interment to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens (480) 830-4422. Patricia had requested in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Hospice of the Valley.