Joan L. O’Connor, a beloved homemaker and mother of seven children, passed away peacefully on 04/30/23 in Springfield, MA at the age of 90. Born in Springfield to Abel “Leroy” and Mildred Maurer, Joan grew up in the Forest Park section of the city as one of eight children. She graduated from Springfield Trade High School where she learned to be a hairdresser and met her husband, Bill O’Connor. Together, they moved to East Longmeadow where they raised their family. Joan and Bill later ran a large newspaper distribution center for the Forest Park area. Joan was also the proud owner of the former B-Kool Ice Cream Shop on Dickinson St. in Springfield, where she served hotdogs and soft serve treats such as the Mary’O and Brownie’O to the people in the neighborhood. In her golden years, Joan and Bill built a home in Ocean View, Delaware where they enjoyed the beach, gardening, and spending time with family. Joan was a strong believer in God and her faith led her to support the Church of the communities for which she lived. She enjoyed playing cards, singing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Joan was a proud woman who will be remembered by many, for her kindness, wonderful sense of humor, and passion for being a Notre Dame Football fan. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband William K. O’Connor in 2000, her son Kenneth O’Connor, and five of her siblings. She will be dearly missed by her children Joanne Lupi of Springfield, Patricia Dion (Robert) of Hampden, Kevin O’Connor (partner laurie) of NH, John O’Connor (Donna), Mary Pagliaro (Edward), and William O’Connor, Jr. (Kristin) of Springfield, daughter-in-laws Kathy O’Connor and Gina O’Connor, her sister Ann O’Connor (Albert) of Delaware, her brother Bruce Maurer of Florida, fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and a boat load of Nieces and Nephews. Family and friends are invited to meet for calling hours on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 1PM-4PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral and Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA. Joan’s funeral ceremony will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023 starting at 9:15AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30AM at St. Michael’s Church 128 Maple St., E. Longmeadow. Burial will be held in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the Shriners Children’s Hospital 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA. Joan will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of many. For more details and to share condolences please visit www.Forastiere.com.
Published by The Republican from May 2 to May 4, 2023.