Maryellen O'Connor

She was born on May 21st, 1928 in Concord, New Hampshire to Charles Amazeen and Ellen Turnquist.  She was of Swedish descent although proud to carry the Irish name after marrying Terrence J. O'Connor (2011) on September 10th, 1949 with whom she shared 62 years of marriage together.  

Mary Ellen grew up in Gloucester, Mass. and lived in Grosse Pointe during the depression.  Her family settled on the east side of Detroit with her older brother Chuck and younger brother John.  Upon graduation, she worked at the ice cream counter at Brickley's Dairy, where she met her future husband. She moved on to Bell Telephone during Terry’s years in college.

They lived in Oak Park and moved to Rochester in 1960.  She became an active member of several civic groups, Newcomers, Meadowbrook women's club, Questers, Rochester Farm & Garden Club and Crittenton Auxiliary.

Mary Ellen is survived by her 5 children, her proudest accomplishment.  Deborah (Kevin) Groth, Daniel, Timothy, T.J. and Kevin (Cindy). She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Justin, Shannon, Madeline and Maxton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen was one busy lady, spending time in Rochester, Naples, Florida, and Harbor Springs.  She was an accomplished bridge player, golfer and sailed the Great Lakes with her family and friends.  She and Terry traveled the world, throughout the U.S., Europe and Down Under.  They also loved cruises with their favorite on the QE 2 to Ireland. She loved spending time with family and friends.

She loved to sew, a trait she learned well from her mother and made anything from curtains to clothes to quilts.  She loved flowers and was active in Garden Club for 40 years.  She had beautiful gardens in Michigan and Florida.  Mom would often tell us "I’ve had a wonderful life". Mary Ellen was a warm and loving person, and she will be immensely missed by all those who loved her. 

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a graveside service for immediate family in October at Van Hoosen Cemetery. Those wishing to donate in her name may do so to the Leader Dogs for the Blind or the Alzheimer's Association.

Burial is being handled by Pixley Funeral Home Rochester.  Send a memory or condolence to www.pixleyfuneralrochester.com