Mary Ann O'Connor April 25, 1947 - March 27, 2018 San Diego The most wonderful woman in the world passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Nobody has ever fought the evil cancer battle as hard and as long as "Mairz", but after a 25-year fight, she succumbed in the comfort of her Sunset Cliffs home surrounded by her loving, immediate family of eleven. Mairz was born April 25, 1947 in Denver, Colorado, to Herb and Agatha Kullman. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Debra and is survived by her brother, Fred of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was born and raised a Rocky Mountain girl an expert skier, mountain wilderness hiker, and trout fisher lady. After graduating from Saint Mary's Academy in Denver, Mairz entered the University of Colorado, Boulder, and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology. While there, she met and married the love of her life, Bill O'Connor. They spent 48 wonderful, fun years together - along the way raising two amazing children, Kelly Jean and Chad Hogan and five beautiful grandchildren. Tom and Kelly Conway (ne O'Connor) live in Carmel Valley with their children Matt & Kate. Chad and Lisa O'Connor live in Point Loma with their children Logan, Landry and Tatum. Mairz spent most of her adult years in San Diego, moving from Denver in 1975 with Bill to raise their young family. Once settled, there was not a sport or activity she wouldn't try and succeed wonderfully at. She worked up to the Ladies Open Division Soccer competition, became an avid windsurfer, long distance runner and tennis player. Along the way Mairz was passionate about raising her family and actively participating in her children's activities. There was not a child's activity she didn't help at and/or lead including, serving as president of two PTA's and coaching boys youth basketball and girls youth soccer.Mairz final real passion became golf. In spite of a late start in her 50s, she was soon playing regularly in the low 90s and served as president of the Coronado and La Jolla Country Club Woman's Golf Clubs. Her smile, zest for life and engaging personality will be missed by all who knew her. A celebration of life will be held on April 22, 2018 at La Jolla Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Ann O'Connor's memory to: Saint Mary's Academy 4545 S. University Blvd. Englewood, CO 80113 303-783-6227

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Mar. 31, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary O'Connor

Sponsored by Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home.

11 Entries

April 18, 2018

Sorry for your loss may friends and family members prayers carry you through your grief. 1john 4:16 God is love.

cher conner

April 11, 2018

There are a few friends whom I have known who have made an impact on their friends and family and Mary Ann was certainly one of them. We shared encouragement, fun and conversations. She fought a remarkable battle. I and many other shall miss her
Cher Conner

Amy Radonich

April 1, 2018

Bill, Kelly, Tom, Chad, and Lisa. What an awesome woman Mary Ann was. Her positive spirit, her love and her passion for her community will forever be remembered. I feel a tremendous sense of loss with this news. My heart, sympathy, love, prayers, and comfort surrounds you. Please know how very much I care. Love to you.Amy (Jewell) Radonich

March 31, 2018

Dear O'Connor family,

I met Mary Ann in 1980 when I reluctantly joined the YWCA running group and she was our fearless leader. I had never run more than a 1 mile and she had me jogging/walking 3 miles the first evening. Within a year or two I ran a half marathon and she prepared me for that too. She was so warm, encouraging, open. And she started me on a path to healthy exercise as an adult trying to also balance career and family. I tried finding her a few years ago with no luck. Although I hadn't seen her in many, many years I always remember her so fondly. And her legacy lives on for all of us she "coached". God bless all of you. Leslie Thorp

Marilynn Harmon

March 31, 2018

Our love and prayers are with your entire family. Mairz, or MA as we called her, was truly a beautiful woman, and from the time we met her at CU, we loved and admired her. May you find comfort in your precious memories of her. Love, Marilynn and Jim Harmon

Colleen Gahr

March 31, 2018

I was so sorry to hear the news about Aunt M.A. . She fought off and on for so long, but with such grace. My heart hurts for you all, but I'm so glad she is not in pain anymore and was surrounded by such a loving family.
Love to you all!

March 31, 2018

Much love to you all during this challenging time. We remember MaryAnn with great fondness. Her powerful embrace of life encouraged us all to be better people.
Judy and Bill Struck

March 31, 2018

A beautiful lady inside and out and a wonderful friend. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the O'Connor family.

Marilyn & Doug Yesensky

Ljw

March 31, 2018

We are so sorry to hear about your loss, and I truly wish peace of heart for you and your family as you are going through this difficult time. We pray that God's love be with you as you have this challenging time. Be mindful of the comfort of our savior " He sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to comfort all who morn" (Isa 61:1,2)

March 31, 2018

With deepest sympathy may you find comfort and peace knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you in your time of grief. John 14:1 Do not let your heart be troubled have faith in God.

Dan Naremore

March 30, 2018

Bill: So sorry to receive the news and want to offer condolences to you and your family.

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