Elizabeth Parker O'Conor

1949 - 2025

Elizabeth Parker Whittet O'Conor

October 26, 1949 - September 1, 2025

Elizabeth Parker Whittet O'Conor, 75, of Richmond, VA, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, entering her heavenly home to be with God after a courageous battle with Lewy body Dementia. A loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and cherished "GramE" to her grandchildren, Elizabeth's warm heart, Southern charm, and zest for life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Born on October 26, 1949, in Richmond, VA, Elizabeth was the youngest of three children born to McLean and Antoinette Whittet. She is survived by her two children, Andrew Wheeler O'Conor (Liz) of Charleston, SC, and Margaret O'Conor Dean (Jeffrey) of Durham, NC; her six grandchildren, Emma, Rowen, Ethan, and Greyson O'Conor, and Thomas and Patrick Dean; her sister, Cornelia (Connie) Garrett, and sister-in-law, Linda Walters Whittet, both of Richmond. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Robert McLean Whittet; and her brother-in-law, Waddy Garrett.

Elizabeth graduated from Collegiate School in Richmond and earned a BA in Psychology from Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, in 1971. Her childhood was filled with joyful family adventures, including camping across the US and Canada, beach vacations, and a memorable high school trip to Europe with her family. Her adventurous spirit led her to the Netherlands after college, where she worked at a small hotel in Amsterdam, immersing herself in a new culture and forming lasting friendships. It was there she met Paul O'Conor, whom she married in 1975. Together, they renovated a charming row-house in Amsterdam's historic canals neighborhood, hosting friends on their rooftop, accessible only by climbing out a window and scaling adjacent roofs.

In 1977, Elizabeth and Paul returned to the US, settling in Wellesley, MA, where they raised their family. Elizabeth was deeply involved in her community, serving as an active member of her Episcopal church, volunteering with the Junior League, participating in a book club, and supporting her children's sports and school activities. Alongside her friend Betsy, she co-founded Be Organized, a senior-oriented downsizing and staging business that helped clients prepare their homes for sale. A lover of animals, Elizabeth cherished her Sheltie, Tucker, and her grand-dogs. She and Paul traveled extensively with the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), exploring the world and sharing international adventures with their children. They also enjoyed sailing along the East Coast and vacationing at Virginia Beach, Figure Eight Island, and on ski trips in Colorado. Elizabeth faced numerous health challenges with resilience and a positive attitude, always rebounding with grace.

In 2010, Elizabeth returned to Richmond to be closer to her aging mother, siblings, and local friends, while frequently visiting her children and grandchildren in the Carolinas. She quickly became a vibrant part of her new community, serving as social chair at The Bluffs, participating in Celtic services at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, working at EMSCO, and acting as Library Chairman at The Woman's Club. Her talents in needlepoint and knitting were well-known, and she found joy in her role as a beloved nanny for several Richmond families. As "GramE," she delighted in hosting GramE Camps, creating cherished memories with her grandchildren. Elizabeth's annual Cookie Exchange at Christmas, and gifting her mother's famous chocolate sauce recipe, was a highlight for friends and family. She continued to enjoy bridge, long walks, cruises, trips to Holland, and casual gatherings by the river.

Elizabeth was truly beautiful, inside and out, with a twinkle in her eye, a warm laugh, and an unwavering faith. Her life was graciously well-lived, filled with love, creativity, and connection. She leaves behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and Southern hospitality that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her.

A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond, VA, on Monday, September 15, at 10:30 a.m. A livestream of the service will be available at www.ststephensRVA.org/memorial-stream. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Bolling Haxall House Foundation or the Elizabeth Whittet O'Conor Fund for Breast Cancer Research (376716) at UNC Lineberger, causes close to Elizabeth's heart.