Judith Ida O'Connor

1937 - 2020

Judith Ida O'Connor, 83, of Hebron (Jefferson) passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at the Fort Memorial Hospital.

Judith was born on February 2, 1937 in Milwaukee to Elmer and Irma (Pries) Messing. She graduated from Washington High School and UW-Milwaukee in February, 1958 with a teaching degree. Judie married John O'Connor on July 17, 1965, more than 54 years ago. Together they had two children. She taught in the Milwaukee school system for seven years and after the children were older, substituted in the Muskego-Norway system.

Judie was a talented pianist and sang in several church choirs. A woman of deep faith, she taught Sunday school for many years at Atonement Lutheran Church in Muskego. She was a member of the First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

Judith treasured her pet dogs and enjoyed many camping trips with her family, bird watching, golfing, bowling and visiting with her many friends. In addition, she was a collector of recipes and was an avid and eager reader.

Judith is survived by her husband, John O'Connor; children, Timothy O'Connor of Milwaukee, Ellen (Will) Gorr of Waukesha; grandchildren, Aiden Gorr, Samantha Gorr; brother-in-law, Ben Olson of LaCrosse; sister-in-law, Jo Anne Statz of Oregon, WI; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and beloved sorority sisters.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Irma (Pries) Messing; sister, Joyce Olson; many uncles, aunts, and beloved dogs.

Services will take place at a later date.

Donations in Judith's honor can be made to The First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater or Atonement Lutheran Church in Muskego.

The family is grateful for the care Judith received and the kindness from the staff of Fort Memorial Hospital and Fairhaven Rehab services.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at

nitardyfuneralhome.com.