COLUMBIA - Mary Ellen (O’Brien) O’Connor, age 99, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. She was born in New York City on August 21, 1917 to Irish immigrants, Michael O’Brien and Bridget (Barrett) O’Brien. Diseases of the 1920’s took her mother and two siblings (John and Catherine). Her stepmother, Ellen (Bowen) O’Brien, became a loving figure for many years. Mary’s surviving younger brother, the late William O’Brien, was her treasured confidant through life. She married the late James J. O’Connor in 1940. Together they had five children, Patricia O’Connor (dec.), Maureen O’Connor Kilar (Lance dec.), Carol O’Connor (dec.), Colleen O’Connor Coco (Dennis) and Brian J. O’Connor (Kathleen). She is survived by 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and 3 nieces. Her formal education was cut short due to communicable disease yet she was an avid reader, listener and storyteller. She shared her life lessons with a bit of quip and found friendship with ease. Some of her favorite pastimes were cooking, knitting and singing. The “Lilt of Irish Laughter” was her mantra. Her grandchildren tagged her GM (Great Mary) because she was just that…great. Mary’s accomplishments in her 99 years were simple but profound. With a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that lit up a room, she enjoyed a full life. She resided many years in River Vale N.J., Hilton Head S.C. and Boca Raton Fla. Her family is so grateful to her friends and the staff at Wildewood Downs, who demonstrated care with kindness. The family will celebrate her longevity at St Francis by The Sea, Hilton Head Island, where she will be interred with the love of her life, James. Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers and donations, please honor Mary O’Connor with a smile and a prayer for someone you love who struggles to remember.
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