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Colleen O'Connor Obituary

O'CONNOR, COLLEEN A.

A journalist, educator and passionate advocate of progressive causes, Colleen died on February 16, 2005 age 55, after a long, courageous struggle with breast cancer. She leaves behind legions of heartbroken friends, who loved and admired her razor-sharp wit and tenacious embrace of life. In a colorful, varied career, Colleen served in the Carter and Clinton administrations; was a columnist for the Record of Hackensack and an editor at Newsweek; worked as director of public education for the American Civil Liberties Union, wrote for People and at her death was senior research associate at Georgetown University's Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership. As much as her public contributions, Colleen's legacy is in a private sector - the tapestry of friendships that will enshrine her in memory. Contributions may be made to the Colleen A. O'Connor Scholarship Fund at the Alliance for Justice, 11 Dupont Circle N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Friends will gather for a Memorial, Sunday, April 17, at 4 p.m. at the Spiritual Life Center at American University.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 27, 2005.

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2 Entries

lori henry

February 21, 2005

i loved this woman, her sense of humor, her wit, her genius, yet, that same being loved the watch "our special film festival" , DIRTY DANCING, PRINCE OF TIDES, and our favoirte BEACHES, where she was BETTE MIDLER. My oldest daughter worked for COlleen at ACLU and learned the real importance of life... Colleen gave me a surpirse 45th birthday party.. I will never forget her zest forlife... so , I have called her voice mail many times since she "said goodbye", to hear her spirit and spunk, she always made me laugh.. I will miss her deeply..

Ryan Cox

February 21, 2005

I wish I was a clever and brilliant a writer as Colleen because any efforts of mine will fail to do her justice.



God Bless, we will miss you dearly.

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