Lucille Ann O'Connor

Lucille O'Connor (Menard), 87, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. Born on December 19, 1937, in Northampton, Massachusetts, Lucille lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to family and friends, service to others, faith in her religion and a caregiver to many.

Lucille was born and raised in Northampton Massachusetts to Theodore and Irene Menard. Her childhood was unique as most of it was spent growing up on the grounds of Northampton State Hospital, as both her parents were employed there, Theodore in the role of an electrician and Irene as a psychiatric nurse. This experience helped her to develop a passion for serving others both in her professional and personal life. Her career trajectory included working in nursing home settings, community-based mental health organizations, and crisis/respite centers.

Lucille was married for 62 years to her beloved husband, Donald. Together they built a life grounded in quiet love and unwavering support-a partnership that endured through all of life's joys and challenges. Their bond was one of mutual respect and deep affection, evident to all who knew them. In the end, they left this world just as they lived in it: side by side.

Together Lucille and Donald raised three sons who were the pride of their lives: Matthew O'Connor of Keller, Texas (wife Angela Wyatt), Michael O'Connor of Apex, North Carolina (wife Kristin Carvill), and Martin O'Connor of Apex, North Carolina. Lucille's legacy continues through her eight cherished grandchildren: Mackenzie (23), Gage (20), Shepard (17), Roarke (15), and Campbell (8) - lovingly known as the "Texas O'Connors" - and Matthew (15), Erin (12), and Jack (10) - the "North Carolina O'Connors." Lucille doted on each one with warmth and humor that made every moment with him memorable.

She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore and Irene Menard, as well as her two brothers Norman and Roy Menard.

A devout Catholic throughout her life, Lucille spent many years worshiping at St. Mary's Parish in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She spent many weekends volunteering her time through church activities for the less fortunate. Her faith was deep and unwavering; she leaned on it often and shared it lovingly.

Lucille found joy in many things: growing her famous hydrangea plants (worthy of a Monet painting), gathering with family for annual reunions on Cape Cod, shopping at yard and estate sales, chatting with her best friends, cooking for her family, spending time with her grandchildren, camping and traveling, reading autobiographies, watching movies from the Golden Era of Hollywood, reading books, love of animals, and the color blue. These things brought her great happiness and created lasting memories for those around her.

She was a gentle and loving person, always putting the needs of others before her own. We'll miss Lucille -her smile, her sense of humor, her love and her ability to make those around her feel like the most important person on the planet. May her memory and influence on this earth be felt and embraced by all that knew her.