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Maconda O'CONNOR Obituary
Dr. O'Connor possessed a unique combination of gifts. A practicing social worker, she set up office in a broom closet in one of Houston's toughest juvenile detention centers in order to reach young offenders. She truly believed that there were no bad kids, only bad deeds, and that all kids deserved a second chance. She was also a systems thinker, who not only worked with children individually, but who encouraged new collaborations to leverage community resources for children.
She was active in many children's organizations, including Harris County Protective Services, El Hogar de Ninos, the Child Abuse Prevention Network, the Mental Health Association of Houston and Harris County, the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, and was a co-founder of both the Houston A+ Challenge and the Greater Houston Collaborative for Children. Virtually all groups in the Houston area working with underprivileged children at one point or another received her grace. She additionally served on the boards of the Discovery Green Conservancy, the Brookings Institution, the American Leadership Forum, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, The Rice Center for Education, the University of Houston-Downtown, and the Houston Area Women's Center. She served as both President and Chairman of the Brown Foundation, one of Houston's leading benefactors. Her commitment to those in need has made her legendary in the Houston community.
Dr. O'Connor had a profound impact as a researcher and policy advocate. It is impossible to calculate those whose lives have been positively impacted by the programs she started, funded and supported. Her commitment to those in need has made her exemplary in the Houston community and her quiet impact will be felt for generations. Additionally, Dr. O'Connor was a licensed advanced clinical practitioner and a member of the national, state and local associations of social work. She maintained a small private practice, primarily providing therapeutic services to families and children who were underprivileged.
Maconda was predeceased by her parents, George R. and Alice Pratt Brown and her sister, Isabel Brown Wilson.
She is survived by her siblings, Nancy Brown Negley, Louisa S. Sarofim, and Mike Stude; four children, George R. O'Connor, Thomas ""Toby"" I. O'Connor, Nancy O'Connor Abendshein, and John H. O'Connor, their spouses, Lynn O'Connor, Barbie O'Connor, Mark ""Butch"" Abendshein and Sarah O'Connor; nine grandchildren, Ryan O'Connor, his wife Amy, Kelly O'Connor, Maconda Abinader, her husband Sacha, Nancy O'Connor, Andrew Abendshein, Ralph Abendshein, Rebecca O'Connor, Ian O'Connor, and Charlie O'Connor; one great-granddaughter, Louisa O'Connor; and her treasured Jack Russell Terriers. She was a nurturing, beloved mother and grandmother; guiding star whose love and support were cherished by all. Her family will miss her beyond measure.
The family would like to especially thank Gretchen Walter for her 17 years of loyal support and deep loving friendship.
Thanks also to Laura Quintero, Sean Ashby, Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Marcia Katz and the other doctors and nurses at The Methodist Hospital ICU for their compassionate care.
Serving as honorary pallbearers during the services are Sean Ashby, Dr. Roger Beaumont, Ellen Cohen, Nelson Emerson, Dr. Marcia Katz, Nancy Pitman, Gretchen Walter and Andrea White.
The memorial service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 23rd of May, in the sanctuary of The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Laurens A. Hall, Rector, is to officiate. For those desiring, valet parking attendants are to be positioned at the east porte-cochere.
Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced.
Prior to Wednesday afternoon's service, the family and honorary pallbearers will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Dr. O'Connor's memory may be directed to the Baylor College of Medicine Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, c/o Dr. Marcia Katz, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, Houston A+ Challenge, 2700 Southwest Frwy., Suite B, Houston, TX, 77098; The Greater Houston Collaborative for Children, 3800 Buffalo Spdwy., Suite 300, Houston, TX, 77098; or to the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maconda O'CONNOR
Sean Ashby
May 14, 2025
Hey Sunshine , miss you so so so much. Always talk about you
GREAT WOMAN 22
Sean Ashby ( Moonlight)
May 14, 2022
Miss You So Much SUNSHINE
Never forgotten
Viner Manfoot-Greene
May 14, 2022
Unforgettable
Liisa Honkalehto Rogers
May 27, 2012
To George, Nancy, Toby and John: My thoughts are with you and your mom. What an inspiration she was to me as both a passionate social worker as well as a woman with a sharp mind, a love for young people of all shapes and sizes, impeccable taste and one big heart. I am so glad I had the opportunity to share a small part of her life at Smith and in Houston, and through that to get to know all of you and your families. Liisa Honkalehto Rogers.
Samantha Quin
May 24, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Maconda's passing. She was my therapist and friend for many years. She saw me through some of the darkest hours of my life. She will be greatly missed.
Samantha (Mizell) Quinn
May 24, 2012
My most sincere condolences to Maconda's loving family and friends. I came to know of her through our organization, NEEB. If we each had even one-tenth of her beautiful spirit and her compassion, the world would be a better place. We have all lost one of humanities true blessings.
Sandra Ontiveros
Martha Gomez
May 23, 2012
God Bless Dr. Brown for giving of herself and her resources unconditionally to the many Houston organizations that work to improve the quality of life for others.
Our organization has benefitted from the compassion that Dr. Brown demonstrated to the less fortunate and vulnerable. We feel privileged and honored that Dr. Brown assisted in the success of our organization.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and know that her spirit will live on in all the good deeds she spear headed.
Personally, I will remember her everytime I see the joy in the eyes of a family that would have gone without had it not been for our organization.
Thank you Dr. Brown.
Katia Abinader
May 23, 2012
Toby, Barbie, Maconda, Sacha, and Nancy, please receive our deepest sympathy. You are all in our thougts and prayers during this difficult time. With much love,
- Katia and Bernard Abinader (Brussels, Belgium)
Kathy Edwards
May 23, 2012
Dear Lynn, George and Kelly,
Your St. Andrew's family is praying for you at this difficult time. I did not know Maconda but after reading about her life, I wish I had had the opportunity to. God bless you all.
Betty Austin Henderson
May 23, 2012
I was saddened to hear of Maconda's passing, especially so soon after Isabel. Maconda's life was such a gift to all she touched. I send my love and prayers for comfort to her children and to Nancy.
Isabel Nart
May 23, 2012
One of Houston's heroes is gone, but Maconda O'Connor's legacy continues through the many people and organizations she touched. She was truly a remarkable woman and she will be missed.
Angela Blanchard
May 23, 2012
We will honor Maconda this week because we need to. But this is exactly the kind of attention that Maconda would have wished to avoid. A lot of people coming together to honor her. Sorry Maconda. This is for all us who have to go on without you. We hope you understand.
Maconda Brown O'Connor was my friend. For almost twenty five years she encouraged and supported my work and me. Through ups and downs, triumphs and trials. Maconda could handle the truth better than most people. With grace.
Maconda was also a friend to thousands upon thousands of people whom she never met. People that will never know her name except to read it on a plaque or etched into a wall. But if they do see it, it is likely to be in a place of refuge, help and hope. They are the beneficiaries of a tender, caring, pragmatic woman who loved and nurtured the best in all of us.
We like to talk about Houston as a place of opportunity for everyone willing to work hard. We say it doesn't matter if your name is Brown or Baker, Khan or Garcia – you can make it here. A few people can say they actually built the city that way. Maconda is one of them.
For Maconda helping was not complicated. Although she was not short on intelligence – she was very sharp indeed when it came to knowing who would do the work and who would not -- her approach to caring for the people of the city was simple. Give people a chance. Especially children.
A while back Maconda told me a story. When she was in school she had to take home economics. One of her assignments was to make a blouse. Her pattern required pin tucks on both sides of the front. When she finished her mother pointed out that the tucks went the wrong way on one side of the blouse. “You will never be able to wear this.” her mother said. Maconda – not wanting the work to go to waste – wore it anyway. No one noticed. She said, “That's when I realized what we do doesn't have to be perfect. It was good enough. Do good. It will be enough.”
May 23, 2012
We will honor Maconda this week because we need to. But this is exactly the kind of attention that Maconda would have wished to avoid. A lot of people coming together to honor her. Sorry Maconda. This is for all us who have to go on without you. We hope you understand.
Maconda Brown O'Connor was my friend. For almost twenty five years she encouraged and supported my work and me. Through ups and downs, triumphs and trials. Maconda could handle the truth better than most people. With grace.
Maconda was also a friend to thousands upon thousands of people whom she never met. People that will never know her name except to read it on a plaque or etched into a wall. But if they do see it, it is likely to be in a place of refuge, help and hope. They are the beneficiaries of a tender, caring, pragmatic woman who loved and nurtured the best in all of us.
We like to talk about Houston as a place of opportunity for everyone willing to work hard. We say it doesn't matter if your name is Brown or Baker, Khan or Garcia – you can make it here. A few people can say they actually built the city that way. Maconda is one of them.
For Maconda helping was not complicated. Although she was not short on intelligence – she was very sharp indeed when it came to knowing who would do the work and who would not -- her approach to caring for the people of the city was simple. Give people a chance. Especially children.
A while back Maconda told me a story. When she was in school she had to take home economics. One of her assignments was to make a blouse. Her pattern required pin tucks on both sides of the front. When she finished her mother pointed out that the tucks went the wrong way on one side of the blouse. “You will never be able to wear this.” her mother said. Maconda – not wanting the work to go to waste – wore it anyway. No one noticed. She said, “That's when I realized what we do doesn't have to be perfect. It was good enough. Do good. It will be enough.”
Gloria Nemerowicz
May 22, 2012
Maconda left the world a better place. "Never give up" she once told me. I will forever carry and practice her faith in the power of education to transform hearts and minds. I feel so lucky to have been touched by her. What a woman!
Roger Beaumont
May 22, 2012
If the Bard had it right, or Ernest Hemingway, we each owe God a death, but waxing philosophical is pretty tough going at best at such times, and all that much tougher when the payer is one who means so much to so many, as Maconda Brown O'Connor did, or more correctly still does. And, for that matter, so she will, in all of our hearts and minds, as long as she dwells in our memories.
As one scrolls down her curriculum vitae, certain words leap forth from the text – a great many uses of the word, “honorees”, as well as fame, accolades, excellence, outstanding, exemplary, humanitarian, and the award given annually in her name by the Greater Houston Collaborative for Children. None of them seem inflated or excessive.
On a personal note, Maconda's passing strikes me as an especially sharp affront, a keen loss with only the thinnest trace of comfort, as I groped in the crannies of my memory for some solace, that I had the special privilege of knowing her, and witnessing her strength, kindness, vision and wit. I know that we all treasure that as well, and that if each of us who basked in her kindness and beneficence were to stand and recount those of her works which brightened the proverbial corner which she shared with them, it would take far longer than we have the time that would be required to spend on such an effort.
To sum it up, then, in so many ways, and for so many of us, and throughout the State of Texas and nation, she was a river to her people.
Roger A. Beaumont
May 22, 2012
Queen Maconda, I hope your heart is at Peace as you rest in the Light of the life ever after.
And the ever after finds warmth in your shining smile. My missing you will be comforted by the honor of knowing you. With love, Joan D
John Fain
May 22, 2012
Very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing.
Linda Kase
May 22, 2012
To the family of Maconda O'Connor,
Maconda was a wonderful, beautiful and sweet lady.
She always had a smile on her face.
She will truly be missed.
Linda Kase
sean ashby
May 22, 2012
TO MY SUNSHINE, WILL MISS ALL THE FUN TIMES WE HAD AN SAT. AN SUN. FOOTBALL GAMES. YOU CHANGE MY LIFE ALOT. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY SUNSHINE AN IM YOUR MOON LIGHT... Sean Ashby ( her body guard )
Maggie Rivers
May 21, 2012
My condolences to the family of Mrs. O'Conner. May the family throw all their anxiety upon GOD, because he cares for you. He understand your feeling and pain that the family is experiencing. May he bless the family as they cope during this time of sorrow.
With Love & Gratitude
Viner Manfoot-Greene
May 21, 2012
My life is one Maconda touched. She is my role model. Her capacity, breath, and reach in helping and caring for humanity is devine.
Now we all have and angel. My condolences to her family,
Eva Morgan
May 21, 2012
Maconda was dear to me as she was my daughter's (Melanie) counselor as a child.
Because of her devotion to children, my
Melanie is doing well in her adult life as a person, wife, mother...my condolences to her family & Houston...my prayers are with you. Mrs. Eva Degges Morgan
Rene Gonzales
May 21, 2012
I am very sorry to hear of Maconda's passing. My deepest condolences to Maconda's O'Connors family.
Rene & Roseann Gonzales
May 21, 2012
My condolences to the family and friends of Ms. O'Connor. May you be comforted by looking forward to a time when all causes of death will be no more.
Tracey and Brian Herman
May 21, 2012
Please know that our thoughts of sympathy and support are with you as you continue on your path without her. We are thinking of you during this difficult time, and hope that you know that we are here to help you in any way we can.
Love,
Robert Rodriguez
May 21, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Maconda's family and friends. I never met Maconda personally, but I'm reminded daily of her impact to our community. From her support of the University of St. Thomas and MECA.....to the beautiful parts of our downtown centerpiece, Discovery Green, that are named in her honor. May she rest in peace for all of her great works will surely sustain her legacy forever.
My deepest sympathies!
Robert F. Rodriguez
University of St. Thomas Alumni
MECA | BOD | Vice President
Downtown Resident
~Robert
May 21, 2012
I am deeply sorry to hear of Maconda's death. My sympathies go out to her children and their families and to Nancy as she has just lost both of her sisters. Maconda was a wonderful person who gave so much of herself both to her community and to her family. I know you all will miss her greatly. Much love to you all. Lucy Austin
Shari Bryan
May 21, 2012
Maconda supported our organization -- the National Democratic Institute -- and traveled with us to Israel and Palestine to observe the Palestinian elections in 2007. We appreciated her support, enthusiam and inquisitiveness.
Our sympathies are with her family.
Shari Bryan
Vice President
National Democratic Institue
Washington, DC
Scott & Jennifer Clearman
May 20, 2012
We are so sorry for this loss and our deepest sympathies are with Maconda's family.
Michael Tracy
May 20, 2012
Deepest sympathy upon hearing this sad news. With love toward all from The River Pierce Foundation.
Raymond Goodrich and Family
May 20, 2012
How sad we are to learn of Maconda O'Connor's death. To this 1960's teenager in River Oaks, and as her next-door neighbor, she cut a huge figure creating a beautiful large home complete with professional staff and adoring family of six. From my point of view, O'Connor parties on Chevy Chase Drive were literally fantastic, drawing dignitaries, politicians and sports stars. Her tireless work on behalf of Houston's many fine charities and her family's Brown Foundation was her life's gift to countless others less fortunate. Houston has lost another of its champions. We mark her passing with respect for her philanthropy.
With our sincere wishes for peace and acceptance to each of her children, George, Nancy, Toby and John, her extended family members, and her many friends, associates and well-wishers.
Susan Franzheim
May 20, 2012
...Maconda was one of the few people in my husband Kenneth Franzheim's circle that I looked up to as a role model of having much and giving back more.
...Houston and I were richer because of having her in our lives!
Doris Robins
May 20, 2012
Maconda was a sweet woman who gave her love, time and funds to the Houston community to make it a better place to live, especially for the under served.
My prayers are for the Brown Family during the brevement of two sisters in short period of time. May God protect and strengthen the families.
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Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057
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