Rita B. O'Connor

Rita Bridget (Madigan) O'Connor, a remarkable woman whose life spanned nearly a century and touched countless hearts, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4th, at the Ciel Assisted Living of Princeton in Monmouth Junction. She was 98 years old.
Rita was born and raised in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. She spent her younger years body surfing the waves of Bondi, a true beach girl at heart. From an early age, she was active in her church and served as a leader in the Women's Club. In 1950, she married Richard "Dick" O'Connor, and together they raised five children in Sydney. In 1968, the family moved to the United States, living in several towns across New Jersey.
Rita was known not just for her kindness and dedication, but also for her sharp wit and feisty personality. She had a gift for one-liners that could stop a room in its tracks - always funny, sometimes cheeky, yet delivered with impeccable timing. Her sense of humor made her a joy to be around and left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
She was endlessly generous - always eager to give, help, or share whatever she had. Whether she was knitting a blanket, slipping a lottery ticket into a card, or treating someone to lunch, Rita gave from the heart. And if there was a sale to be found or a store to browse, Rita was there with enthusiasm. Shopping was her sport, and she had a great eye for the perfect gift or a little something "just because".
She was committed to helping others, volunteering as a CCD teacher at St. Margaret's in Morristown and supporting the charitable work of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. While living in Tabernacle, she found her calling as a Teacher's Aide for the Tabernacle School District, where she worked with students with disabilities until her retirement.
Rita and her husband also enjoyed many years as members of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club community where they made life-long friends and enjoyed family time.
To her 10 grandchildren, she was simply "Nana." She loved knitting blankets, serving up sturdy sandwiches, and always made sure she left the bank with two lollipops - one for them, and one for her. Whether she was telling a story, delivering a zinger, or rolling her eyes at something she found absurd, Rita brought joy, laughter, and a little sass to every day.
Rita was predeceased by her husband, Richard J. O'Connor; her son, Christopher J. O'Connor; and her daughter, Catherine M. Toomey.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dominic and Kelly O'Connor of Australia; her daughters and sons-in-law, Gabrielle and Gregory Pyle of Franklin Park, and Anne and James Flinn of Lake Hopatcong. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Cremation services were provided by Gleason Funeral Home in Somerset. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Kendall Park on July 19th at 10:00 am