Barbara Elaine O’Connor, resident of Owasso, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013 following and extended illness. Barbara was born May 18, 1933 in Bangor, Maine to Fred and Dorothy (Ross) Thomas. She was raised and received her education, graduating high school there. Barbara later moved to Lowell, Massachusetts and earned her LPN license from Tewksbury State Hospital and worked there for 36 years. On January 18, 1953 she was united in marriage to Donald Francis O’Connor, and they raised their children in Massachusetts. After the death of her husband in 2006, Barbara moved to Oklahoma to be with her daughter. She was a devoted member of the Nazarene Church for 60 years, both in Massachusetts and in Owasso. She loved children and was involved in many youth programs throughout the years. Barbara’s loving and optimistic attitude touched many lives. She was known for her phrase “Have you had your hug today”. She enjoyed many hobbies including ceramics, jewelry making, knitting and crocheting. Barbara also loved to sing, participating in both the church choir as well as the Baptist Village Choir.
Barbara is survived by her daughter Dot Garcia and husband Jack of Collinsville,
Her sons Neil O’Connor and wife Mendie of Saco, Maine and Tom O’Connor of Salem, New Hampshire; grandchildren Kristin Beaudoin, Erin O’Connor, Shannon O’Connor and Ashley Rosenbloom; five great grandchildren Cove, Paige, Ella, Lincoln and Alyvia. Also surviving are siblings – William Thomas, Ronald Thomas, Rhea Thomas, Dwight “Skip” McIntosh, Betty Lounsberry and Georgia Jean Southard. Besides her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by two sisters Marlene Severance and Jayne McRoy.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at10:00 AM Saturday, August 17, 2013 in the sanctuary of the Silver Creek Church of the Nazarene in Owasso with Pastor Nate Burns officiating. A second service will be in Lowell, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to support youth programs at Silver Creek Church of the Nazarene, 9000 N. 145th East Ave., Owasso, OK 74055. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. In the words of Barbara – “Have you had your Hug Today”. www.moweryfs.com
