Wanda Ruth O'Connor

WANDA RUTH O’CONNOR returned home to her Lord on Tuesday March 4, 2014. She is preceded in death by her husband James S. O’Connor, Jr. and her father Donald R. Darnell. She is survived by her mother Roberta Meads Darnell, her children Patrick, wife Diane and their children Kari Vanek and Patrice White; Michael; Terry, wife Joan and their children Kyle, Erin and Kevin; Peggy Holewinski, husband Mark and their children Toni and Anna of Pittsburgh, PA, along with many nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law, brother Dwayne Darnell of Aurora, Ill. and her beloved dog Mitzi. Born February 20, 1934 in Chicago, Ill., she spent her youth growing up in Downers Grove, Ill. before moving to Houston. Here she met her husband James S. O’Connor, Jr. at the St. Anne’s adult social club. The two were married in 1954. Wanda spent most of her life as a wife, mother and homemaker. She was happiest when her home was full of family and friends with a good meal on the table. Her laughter, compassionate heart and hospitality will be missed by many who found comfort in her home. Wanda loved a good game of bridge and spent many days surrounded by friends at the card table and countless nights playing spades, hearts, Uno & SkipBo. Wanda worked as a cashier at the Bellaire Drive-In Theatre in the 1960’s. Later she served as a well recognized school crossing guard at Bellaire Boulevard and Osage. Her love for children lead her to be certified as a Director of Religious Education at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. Here she found great joy in the classroom teaching her Catholic faith to young students. She also logged time as a travel agent and wrapped up her work life at American General Insurance. The family would like to pay special recognition to her extraordinary care giver Giva Rollins who was her guardian angel on earth. Giva’s love and compassion brought Wanda through many struggles on her journey home. In addition, her spiritual strength was bolstered by long time friend and true minister of the Lord Rosemary Bach. The O’Connor family will be present to receive friends Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a Holy Rosary being recited at 7:10 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. The Funeral Mass will commence Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 8200 Roos Rd., Houston, TX 77036. Committal services will follow mass via motorized cortege at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. A reception will take place immediately following the burial at Dettling Funeral Home. Serving as pall bearers are Kyle O’Connor, Kevin O’Connor, Jeff Wannamaker, Jack Carnes, Joseph Berry and Matt Kresse. In lieu of flowers the family would like to honor Wanda’s giving nature by asking friends to make a contribution to their favorite charity.

Wanda Ruth O'Connor

February 20, 1934 - March 4, 2014