Mrs. Mary "Betty" O'Connor

Mary Elizabeth (Deary) O'Connor, 92, of Adams MA and Naples FL passed away peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Dudley, MA on May 7, 1923 to Thomas and Elizabeth (Kelley) Deary. She graduated from St. Louis High School in Webster, MA and attended New Rochelle College in New York. On August 20, 1944 she married J. Norman O'Connor, her high school sweetheart. They shared 62 years together before his passing in November 2006. Betty and Norman moved to Adams, MA in 1954 where they built a life and raised eight children. She was a devout communicant of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Adams and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples, FL. Betty was devoted to her family. It was the community she created, nourished and valued above all others. She selflessly balanced the needs of all her children and her husband with grace and forgiveness. Her intelligence and understanding were sustenance for them all. Her faith was quiet, profound, and inspirational. Betty loved spending summers with her family at Priscilla Beach where she had also grown up. In later years she loved her life in Naples, FL with Norman where they had wintered since 1989. Betty was a member of the "Niners", probably more for the company and laughs than the golf, and was always ready to go out to dinner. She firmly believed that cooking was over-rated. She had a direct line to Saint Anthony, Patron Saint of Lost Articles and welcomed the frequent calls from family and friends to pray to him. Her return rate was way above average. Betty was beautifully elegant with her white hair perfectly offset by her blue clothing (in honor of the Blessed Mother). She had a razor sharp wit and loved jokes – especially those with a shock factor. She loved showing off her grandkids when they visited. Summers in Adams were filled with visiting family who always loved returning home. Betty leaves her children, J. Norman, Jr. (Jay) and Christine O'Connor of Adams, MA; Maureen and Brian Burgess of Montpelier, VT; Marilou and J. Michael Lang of Plainville, CT; Susan O'Connor and Michael Hollyday of Portland, ME; Thomas and Claire O'Connor of Westport, CT; Jane and Michael Mitchell of Nashua, NH; Elizabeth O'Connor and Kevin Burke of Gloucester, MA. She adored babies and was in her glory when she was given 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. They adored her. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Betty was pre-deceased by her daughter Colleen Ann O'Connor, two sisters Edna Canty and Helen Nezuh and two brothers Thomas Deary, Jr and Robert Deary. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 9th, at 10:00 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Anthony Shrine and Ministry Center, 100 Arch Street Boston, MA 02110 To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com

Mrs. Mary "Betty" O'Connor

May 7, 1923 - March 4, 2016