Deborah M. O'Connor

1953 - 2021

O'Connor, Deborah M. WATERFORD Deborah M. O'Connor, 67, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2021, at The Eddy Village Green with her loving sister and fiance by her side. Born in Albany on April 28, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Joseph S. Mahan Sr. and Patricia (Guiry) Mahan. Deborah grew up in Latham and was a 1971 graduate of Shaker High School. Following graduation, she went on to further her studies at Mildred Elley Business School. She began her career with the New York State Office of General Services and went on to work at the University at Albany until retirement. After retirement, Deborah earned her nail technician license and used her skills to volunteer her time giving manicures for elderly residents at a local nursing home. In this, she found so much joy. One of Debbie's favorite pastimes was shopping. She was a professional Marshalls and TJ Maxx browser (though she preferred Marshalls) and could often be found perusing around, searching for and buying anything pink. Debbie never left home without the essentials: an enormous purse, a bottle of Pepsi, some sort of candy and a hot pink lipstick. She had the most magnetic personality. People were drawn to her charismatic energy, her contagious laugh and her beauty - both inside and out. Her colorful personality always made for the best family gatherings - of which, she never missed. She was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. Debbie was a bright light and if you knew her, you were the lucky one. Deborah is survived by her two sons, Casey (Pamela) O'Connor, and James (Leigh) O'Connor; her grandchildren, Jake, Casey, Avery, and Ozzie O'Connor; her siblings, Joseph (Paula) Mahan, John (Debbie) Mahan, Stephen (Lisa) Mahan, Patti (Dave) Borisenok, and Ronnie (Michelle) Mahan; her fiance John Dolan; her beloved canine companion Ava Rose, and by many loving nieces and nephews. Deborah's funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 25, at 1 p.m. at the Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, Latham. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Deborah's family before the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To remember Deborah in a special way, please consider a donation to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY, 12205. Condolence book and memorial page at bowenandparkerbros.com.