Gladys O'Connor

Proud native Staten Islander passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2020.

Gladys was born in West Brighton to Borghild and Lars Tryve Larsen. She graduated from Port Richmond High School, followed by St Luke’s School of Nursing. Her nursing career spanned the decades until retirement in 1994 from Bailey Seton Hospital.

She and husband, Melville O’Connor Jr. settled in Westerleigh in 1950 to raise their family. They were married for 67 years, until his passing in 2017.

She is survived by her children Richard (Denise), Karen McNichol, Walter (Elizabeth), Nancy Ahmed, Grace Schropp (Robert) and Janice Rubano (Robert), 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, her dear sister Betty Ann Smith (Laurence) and sister-in- law Dorothy Ryan. She was a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband Melville, sister Grace Grover; brothers Wilfred and Walter and sons-in-law Jeffery McNichol and Dr. Naeem Ahmed.

Strong in faith, Gladys was a devoted parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Mom had a heart of gold, a true mother’s heart - selfless, determined, kind, and generous. Grateful to have family close, Mom was involved in all aspects of her children and grandchildren’s activities, including volunteering as school librarian, attending sports and plays.

There are many wonderful memories, however nothing delighted her more than celebrating Christmas Eve with her family. We all gathered at her home decorated in its holiday finest, for a special meal, home baked cookies including Norwegian krumkake, carols, gifts galore and visit from Santa. Young and old alike enjoyed going to Nana’s.

Funeral services by Harmon Funeral Home and burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery are private due to the current health crisis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Blessed Sacrament Church, 30 Manor Road, SI, NY 10310 or St. Jude’s Children Hospital.