Rosemary O'Connor

It is with great sadness but unending pride that we announce the passing of our Mother, Rosemary O’Connor, The beloved Matriarch of the O’Connors leaves behind 11 children: Maryanne & Billy Kerwick, Maureen (Fitzgerald) & George, Eugene and Denise, Kathy & Lenny Quagliata, Artie and Kim, Nancy & Jaime Santiago, Tina Santiago, John, Billy & Angela, Roe and Mike Francesa, Kelly & Dirk Burghartz, 24 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

This common woman with the uncommon touch, who believed in faith and family was born February 16, 1931.

She faced heartache (her beloved husband Gene was taken way too early) hard work and sacrifice with a silent prayer and a smile on her face. Always, the smile.

Rosemary was able to raise a large family and still give tirelessly to countless charities and church organizations. An active parishioner at Assumption Church where she attended daily Mass, the indomitable “Mrs. O” was an officer of the Rosary Altar Society, supported the Prayer Line, LI Birthright, taught religion to special needs children, participated in Pro Life Marches and volunteered at the Shepherd’s Inn Soup Kitchen for 28 years.

Her favorite saying was “be charitable” and she lived it every day.  Rosemary had a lifetime devotion to our Blessed Mother, that took her all the way to Medjugorje, but also a devotion to the sick and poor.

We will remember her best at home, always the nerve center of our family, where you hear her coming from the jingle of her Miraculous Medal that she wore. How we will miss that sound! Her baking in the kitchen (she was an incredible baker) readying another personalized birthday cake for a family member (everybody got one). It was her special gift to have a unique relationship with each and every member of the family, making each one feel like her favorite. Asked once how she did this, she answered simply: by listening and praying.

Rosemary was a diehard Met fan (never missed a game) and in later years became renowned as “Mrs Met”. You could find her behind the plate at Citifield (never even left early) or at a spring training, where then G.M. Omar Minaya waited for his delivery of brownies and owner Fred Wilpon greeted her as “Mother”.

Her sister Eleanor was a Sister of St Dominic in Amityville, NY for 70 years. The Sisters played an integral part in her life.

No holiday will ever be the same. She will be missed terribly but cherished. She was a in a word Special.

The best of the greatest generation!

*In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Sisters of St Dominic in Amityville, NY or the American Cancer Society