Mary Magdalene O’Connor, age 90, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away in her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. She was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on July 6, 1929, to the late Frank and Theresa (Gmeinweiser) Islinger. Mary married James J. O’Connor, Jr., on June 7, 1952, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,…
Continue ReadingMary Magdalene O’Connor, age 90, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away in her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. She was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on July 6, 1929, to the late Frank and Theresa (Gmeinweiser) Islinger. Mary married James J. O’Connor, Jr., on June 7, 1952, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and they spent 45 years together before he passed away in 1997.
Mary’s life centered on her faith, family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She filled her life with giving to others through hand-sewn clothes, quilts and pillows for her family and the underserved. She supported many nonprofit organizations, and her volunteer work at St. Elizabeth Hospital was something she greatly enjoyed. Mary was also known for the countless lengthy letters of encouragement and support she wrote to family and friends over the years. In her later years, she also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and playing card and board games—her family unanimously agrees that backgammon was her all-time favorite! Her life was consistently characterized by her kindness, generosity and faithfulness to family, friends and anyone who crossed her path. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
Mary is survived by her children: Colleen (Chris Kowing) O’Connor, James (Cherié) O’Connor, Susan (Barry) O’Connor-Ngo, Colette (John) Kieffer and Tim (Kathy) O’Connor; grandchildren: Brianna (Chandler) Forbes, Kyla O’Connor, Shane O’Connor, Jenna O’Connor, Kara O’Connor, Sean O’Connor, Connor Ngo, David (Abby) Kieffer, Jonathan Kieffer, Michael Kieffer, Christine (fiance Taisto Oney) Kieffer, Stephanie (David Mullins) O’Connor, and Emily O’Connor; great-grandchildren: Skylar O’Connor, Noah O’Connor, Mackenzie O’Connor and Veda Kieffer. She is further survived by sister: Rose Moser; a sister-in-law: Clarice Islinger; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James J. O’Connor, Jr.; siblings: Theresa Bohman, Erna (Robert) Olson, Barbara (Harold) Lamoen, Annie (Ervin) Fenske, Emma “Ceil” (Virgil) Young, Elizabeth Neuville and Frank Islinger; and a brother-in law Ralph Moser.
The celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, October 4, 2019, at Wichmann Fargo Funeral Home Tri County Chapel, located at 1592 Oneida Street in Fox Crossing, Wisconsin, with Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until the hour of service.
Mary’s family members wish to express their gratitude to the Ascension at Home hospice team for their wonderful care and to all the doctors, nurses and friends who added to the comfort and pleasure of Mom’s last years with us.
One of Mary’s greatest joys was giving generously to local charities. In lieu of flowers and to honor Mary, the family requests that any gifts be made directly to a charity of your choice.
Gwendoline Jansen
left a message on October 8, 2019:
Charlene Agen
left a message on October 3, 2019:
Stan Kellenberger
left a message on October 1, 2019:
Jim Parker
left a message on September 30, 2019:
Joe Olson
left a message on September 29, 2019:
We were saddened to hear of Mary's passing. When I was 7 yrs.old I got to attend Aunt Mary's and Uncle Jim's wedding which was a big treat. Carolyn and I always enjoyed visiting Aunt Mary during our visits to WI.We had planned an excursion to visit cemeteries and old landmarks on a future visit and to meet up with Rose and Clarice. We always enjoyed every letter that she sent to us. Her handwriting was so beautifully set like an artist and a flowing brush. She was at her happiest when doing something for somebody else. Carolyn says "God put His thread into each stitched quilt, and garment, and told Mary to make something good out of it." He could not have assigned a better servant because she always made it with as much perfection as possible, whether it was a hot meal on a cold night for somebody who needed one or quilt for a newborn. We were looking at a picture of Mary when she was young and she was so beautiful and remained beautiful throughout her life. She was very appreciative of any little thing given to her and made us feel that maybe we need to rethink a few things about the priorities of life. We will miss her so much but as she now has passed from death into life: our guess is "that there is a quilt or a pot of soup needing to be made and she came in just in time." Our Prayers are with you and had it not been for having just had a knee replacement operation , we would be there also.
love Joe and Carolyn Olson
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Laurie Ruiz
left a message on September 28, 2019:
aidanandharlan@yahoo.com
left a message on September 27, 2019:
Melissa neuville
left a message on September 27, 2019:
Dan Kieffer’
left a message on September 27, 2019:
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Gwendoline Jansen
left a message on October 8, 2019:
Charlene Agen
left a message on October 3, 2019:
Stan Kellenberger
left a message on October 1, 2019:
Jim Parker
left a message on September 30, 2019:
Joe Olson
left a message on September 29, 2019:
We were saddened to hear of Mary's passing. When I was 7 yrs.old I got to attend Aunt Mary's and Uncle Jim's wedding which was a big treat. Carolyn and I always enjoyed visiting Aunt Mary during our visits to WI.We had planned an excursion to visit cemeteries and old landmarks on a future visit and to meet up with Rose and Clarice. We always enjoyed every letter that she sent to us. Her handwriting was so beautifully set like an artist and a flowing brush. She was at her happiest when doing something for somebody else. Carolyn says "God put His thread into each stitched quilt, and garment, and told Mary to make something good out of it." He could not have assigned a better servant because she always made it with as much perfection as possible, whether it was a hot meal on a cold night for somebody who needed one or quilt for a newborn. We were looking at a picture of Mary when she was young and she was so beautiful and remained beautiful throughout her life. She was very appreciative of any little thing given to her and made us feel that maybe we need to rethink a few things about the priorities of life. We will miss her so much but as she now has passed from death into life: our guess is "that there is a quilt or a pot of soup needing to be made and she came in just in time." Our Prayers are with you and had it not been for having just had a knee replacement operation , we would be there also.
love Joe and Carolyn Olson
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Laurie Ruiz
left a message on September 28, 2019:
aidanandharlan@yahoo.com
left a message on September 27, 2019:
Melissa neuville
left a message on September 27, 2019:
Dan Kieffer’
left a message on September 27, 2019:
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