Mary Lineen O'Connor

1927 - 2022

Mary Lineen O'Connor passed peacefully from this life into God's hands on May 17, 2022 at the grand age of 94, surrounded by her loving family. Born on a small farm in Ireland, December 10, 1927 in Milford, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Mary was the sixth child of John and Delia (Barry) Lineen. In 1951, she emigrated to the United States. At the old Lyric Hall, then on Park Street in Hartford, Mary met her future husband John O'Connor originally from Quilty, Co. Clare. Later in 1954, they returned to Miltown Malbay, to marry. Mary maintained her connections to family and friends in Ireland for the rest of her life. Mary and John were among the founding members of the Irish-American Home Society in Glastonbury, of which she was an active lifetime member. Never one to miss the Hartford Saint Patrick's Day Parade, one year she was honored to be named the West Hartford Town Marshal. A faithful parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hartford, she volunteered as a greeter and would even hand polish the silver candleware. As a devoted Catholic, Mary was profoundly moved to have the opportunity to meet and be personally blessed by Pope John Paul II in Rome in 2000. Ever generous, Mary openly offered her friendship, assistance, home, celebrations and her famous Irish soda bread willingly and often, whenever needed. Mary was extraordinarily industrious. She often worked multiple jobs, from caring for the elderly to housecleaning. Her hand skills were many, including masterful celtic embroidery of Irish dancing dresses worn by her daughters and sewing many outfits for her children when they were young. Always ambitious, Mary earned her GED at the age of 68. Mary is survived by her daughter Ann Marie, son John and daughter-in-law Aleksandra, and daughter Irene and son-in-law Matt Fleury and her seven beloved grandchildren, Deirdre, Sean, Liam, Isabella, Krystian, Robert and Quilty. Mary was predeceased by her husband, John, and her cherished eldest son, Brendan, as well as her six siblings, Michael, Bridie, Kit, John, her twin brother Anthony (Bruddy), and Patrick. Social gatherings were always an immense source of joy for Mary where she shared her unique gift for connecting with people and relating her pride in her family. Mary thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her lifelong friends; Eileen Coughlan, Mary Mullarkey, Carol Hyland and Bridie Cronin, her niece, Mary Lineen Gibbs as well as her friends in Ireland Paddy and Mary Breen. The family would like to thank the incredible team of caregivers at St. Francis Hospital and a special thanks to her daughter Ann Marie for providing the care that allowed Mary to continue to live at home in her final years. Services will be held with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave, West Hartford CT 06119 at 11:00 am on Wednesday June 1st. There will be no calling hours. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be sent to Foodshare, 450 Woodland Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002 or made online at site.foodshare.org. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com