Pamela O'Conner

1942 - 2025

Pamela O'Conner
August 11, 1942 - November 11, 2025
Pamela Ann O'Conner, 83, adored mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt passed away unexpectedly at home on November 11, 2025 - the day after joyfully celebrating her sister's 80th birthday with family and friends. It was a fitting reflection of her life, which centered around family, friendship, laughter, and love - and always a party.
Pam was born on August 11, 1942, in Elgin, Illinois, to William and Dorothy Meyers. She grew up in McAllen, Texas, before becoming a proud graduate of the University of Texas and, ultimately, a lifelong Austinite. She was a devoted Longhorns fan showing her team spirit through her iconic game-day style. Her bedazzled shirts, perfectly coordinated Longhorn accessories, and acrylic burnt-orange decorated nails were a tradition all their own - as vibrant as the personality behind them.
Pam dedicated her professional life to public service, working for the Texas Legislature, the Texas Employment Commission, and Executive Women in Texas Government. She was also civic-minded in her commitment to Austin's public-pools system, where she served as Chair of the Aquatics Advisory Board for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, advocating for accessibility and safety at city pools.
Pam's greatest passion, however, was not on land but in the water. This year marked her 70th consecutive summer teaching swimming lessons - a remarkable legacy of service, patience, and joy. Thousands of children learned to swim under "Ms. Pam's" guidance, gaining not only water safety skills but confidence and cherished memories that now span multiple generations. "Ms. Pam" taught Seniors, Adults, Children and particularly worked with kids or young adults that had physical and mental challenges to help them learn to swim and enjoy the swimming pool.
Pam was a long time member of St. David's Episcopal Church, where she served faithfully in various capacities. For over 55 years, she volunteered at the church's Next-to-New Shop, her beloved "home away from home," where she formed lifelong friendships and eventually served as the Rector's Designee.
She is survived by her children, Joe Nanus (Cody Bradstreet) and Patricia Nanus Ireland (Kelly Ireland); her sister and lifelong partner-in-mischief, Patty Polk ( Patty's fella, Gary Jeffress); 8 grandchildren - Alex, Grace, Sloan, Boone, Jade, Rieve, Kennedy, and Allison and her great-granddaughter, Rosie, and a niece and nephew (Sharon Flores, Bobby Burgess) - all of whom adored her and brought her immeasurable pride and joy. And of course, she taught all of them how to swim. Her PEO Sisterhood chapter GT, Daughters of the King, Highland Lane Bowling team, Bridge and Domino groups all brought joy to her heart through lasting friendships and good times. She leaves behind many friends that were so very dear to her and loved by her. "I love you" was a common statement when ending a phone call or leaving a gathering.
Pam was a joyful force of nature - fiercely protective of her family, delightfully funny, and endlessly generous. Her contagious belly laugh could brighten any room, and she had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. She embraced life with wholehearted affection and an unmistakable sparkle. She leaves behind a community forever enriched by her guidance, kindness, and radiant spirit.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday the 29th of November 2 p.m. at St. David's Episcopal Church, 301 E. 8th St, Austin, Texas 78701. A reception will follow.
Pam requests that friends make memorial contributions to The St. David's Episcopal Church Foundation, https://stdave.org/ministries/stewardship/#csec-ministry-sg-church-foundation or The Next to New Shop, www.next2new.org.