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BORN
10/27/1922
DIED
03/02/2011
Marion O'Connor Obituary
O'CONNOR, Marion A.
Marion A. O'Connor, recently living in Olympia, WA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Marion was born in Spokane, WA on October 27, 1922 to George and Leata Casselman, and she joined three older sisters. She grew up in Spokane and graduated from Marycliff High School. Marion was married to Gordon L. Nelson and they lived for a number of years on the Olympic Peninsula in Sequim and in Forks. They enjoyed boating, camping and fishing as well as raising their family. Marion's hobbies included gardening, rock hunting, knitting, and picking berries for jam. She also liked to raise dahlias. Marion returned to live in Spokane after she raised her children, and was married to James P. O'Connor. Marion and Jim enjoyed their children and grandchildren as well as participating in church activities. Marion is survived by her daughter Gayle Wilde of Olympia, WA, and her son Craig Nelson of Portland, OR; as well as by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and loved ones. She is also survived by her sister Molly Hively, of Spokane, WA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and her sisters Anita Smith and Leona Stoddard. A Rosary is planned for 4 PM Sunday March 6, 2011 at Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane, with viewing from 3 to 4. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Jesuit House at Gonzaga, 1106 N. Astor, at 1 PM, Monday March 7, 2011, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Please visit Marion's tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to:
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Memories and Condolences
for Marion O'Connor
4 Entries
Margret Duchsherer
March 7, 2011
Gayle: My heart aches for you, Craig and the grand- children during this difficult time. If we truly
believe and have faith, know that your mom is smiling down on all of you hoping that you know that this separation is only temporary and you will be reunited. There are 2 reasons you and Craig are here. Your mom is 1 of those reasons--no matter where you go, what you do, what you think or how you feel, your mom is with you as she has been all of your life. Marion wants you to CELEBRATE her life, not mourn her death. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Margret Duchsherer
I remember
David Rhys-Johnson
March 6, 2011
Gayle,
I send my prayers and thoughts to you and your family. I remember the number of times I shared time and space with you and your mom.I especially remember the many stories you shared about your mom and your family growing up on the Olympic Peninsula. Connecting all those memories by seeing the family restaurant in Forks and meeting her in Olympia allowed me to see your mom in a more complete light--condolences to you and your family.
david
Diane Utter
March 5, 2011
Dearest Gayle, your mom must have been an amazing woman to have produced such a wonderful friend for me. I'm sorry for your loss and sending you hugs in Spokane as you lay her to rest. I'm so glad she can rest now.
Larry and Barb Bergman
March 5, 2011
Gayle, Craig and family,
What a huge loss. Aunt Marion was one very special lady. Any thought of her brings a smile to our faces. She was delightful, funny, straightforward, smart, caring and had a contageous love for people (especially family) and life. We understand that you, Gayle, had taken care of your Mom for some time. It was probably difficult at times but you will always cherish that time and be thankful for doing so. I know our time caring for Leona remains a major part of our loving memories with her.
Losing touch with Aunt Marion has always been a source of sadness for us. We send our deepest, heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We're frustrated we cannot attend her funeral. Being in Illinois has cut us off from all family, at least for a season. We pray that God will comfort you as you grieve and move forward.
Our Love, prayers and condolences
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