Obituary of Kathleen Marie O'Connor

Kathleen Marie O'Connor, 76, died on August 26, 2013 in Colorado Springs, while surrounded by family. Kathleen was born on February 6, 1937 in County Kerry, Ireland to Timothy O'Connor and Mary Frances O'Connor (nee McCarthy). She was raised in the town of Killorglin, Ireland, and she raised her eight children there throughout the 1970's and 1980's. She also spent many years in Chicago, IL. Her last 25 years were spent between Westcliffe, Colorado Springs, and Monument, CO. Kathleen married Edward O'Connor in Chicago, IL in June 1959. Together, they had eight living children. Throughout her earlier life, Kathleen was primarily a Homemaker, taking care of her eight children. She also sold handmade crafts from her home for many years. Her most recent enterprise was crafting handmade lampshades under the company name, Ashling Designs, which she operated with her friend, Sandy. Kathleen was a long term member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, Westcliffe, along with being a parishioner at Corpus Christi, St. Mary's, and St. Peter's in Monument.Kathleen is survived by her spouse, Edward (currently residing in Adena, Ohio); her 8 children: Maureen Fink (Colorado Springs), Patrick O'Connor (Westcliffe), Christine Byrne (Surrey, England), Catherine O'Connor (Colorado Springs), Sean O'Connor (Front Royal, VA), Carmel Mortenson (Colorado Springs), Elizabeth Wilson (Monument), and Erin O'Connor (Vancouver, WA), along with their spouses and families. Kathleen has 29 living grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 1 sister in Australia and 3 sisters and 1 brother in Ireland, along with their families.Kathleen was a devout Catholic who loved the outdoors, in particular the mountains and the ocean. She always did her part to protect the environment. She took on causes that she believed in and was a huge champion for natural medicine, nursing mothers, the poor, and the unborn. She was very charitable and would give away her last dollar. She didn't fit in a typical stereotype, but instead was a combination of different beliefs and attitudes. She spent many years of her life volunteering on every committee she could find. She was a born leader! She loved her native country of Ireland, but she also loved the U.S. enough to become a citizen in 1998. That was a great source of pride to her! Of all things in life, she enjoyed her family the most. Her favorite parties always involved an Irish sing-song. Her biggest legacy to her children was passing on her faith, strength, independence, and the love of her Irish heritage. She will be missed dearly by all her family.Rosary/Visitation Services will take place on Thursday, August 29 at Springs Funeral Home (3115 E. Platte). A rosary will begin the service at 6:00 p.m., with visitation from 6:30-8:00 p.m.The Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, Westcliffe on Friday, August 30, 2013 at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Assumption Cemetery, Silver Cliff, immediately following the Funeral Mass.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Friday, August 30, 2013 12:00AM The Assumption Cemetery One-half mile south of State Hwy 96 on Mill Street Silver Cliff, CO Phone: 719-328-1793 Visitation Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Visitation Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:30PM - 8:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Service Friday, August 30, 2013 11:00AM Our Lady of The Assumption Catholic Church 109 South 5th Street Westcliffe, CO 81252 Phone: 719-328-1793