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Margaret O'Connor Obituary
Margaret Mary O'Connor (Smith, Keyser) passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on April 21, 2021 at the age of 77. She was born on December 7, 1943 in Buffalo, New York to Hurley Smith and Mary (King) Smith. She is survived by her children, Laura Keyser-McDonald (Cliff McDonald), Mary "Patty" Lindsley and Richard Keyser; grandchildren, Sarah Lindsley (Joshua Moore) and Ryan Lindsley; and great granddaughter Juliana Moore. Margaret was also recently reunited with her adoptive son James "Jimmy" Pung, which healed her heart tremendously. Also surviving are 6 siblings: Carol Hanson, Patricia (Joe) Droste, Hurley (Donna) Smith, Don (Judy) Smith, Marian (Ron) Smith, and Jeanette Madea. She also had many nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Margaret will be greatly missed by her many dear friends she met while teaching and through The Martini Book Club.
Margaret was a 1961 graduate of St. Mary Catholic High School in Lansing and a 1988 graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Education. She was a teacher at Jackson Correctional Facility, Otto Middle School and Gardner Middle School in Lansing where she retired. She had a long, interesting history with careers at LCC, GM and Jacobson's to name a few. After retiring, she continued to volunteer for RIF and donated to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Southern Poverty Law Center and St. Joseph's Indian School.
Margaret raised three children on her own beginning in the early 70's, but never gave up on her goal to finish her education. She continued to be a constant support and role model for all her children during her lifetime.
Margaret loved reading, gardening, and most of all, her family. Her sharp wit, genuineness and impeccable taste will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The family will have a Celebration of Life when we can safely gather. Donations may be made to any of the above organizations in her memory. A Facebook memorial page is open to those who wish to share their memories of Margaret. https://www.facebook.com/groups/499262751122487
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Margaret O'Connor
4 Entries
Debbie Nolan
February 14, 2023
The picture I submitted was taken in Elk Rapids Michigan in August 2018. I am on the left, and my friend Jane Goldsmith is in the middle. Both Margaret and Jane have beautiful singing voices and the two of them were singing together when we spent the night at my sisters cottage in Elk Rapids. It is such a sweet memory for me of two of my very dear friends singing together.
Debbie Nolan
February 14, 2023
Sondra Faggion aka Sondi Faggion
May 3, 2021
Margaret and three kids were my neighbors many years ago when they lived on Carey Street in Lansing.
I was their babysitter while Margaret took evening classes. I enjoyed our conversations and watching the kids who she was so devoted to.
My sincerest sympathy and prayers for the family and friends are being sent with this note.
Debbie Nolan
May 2, 2021
Margaret was an extraordinary women who was full of life and mischief. I miss her. She was an amazing friend.
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