Lake Forest Obituary: Betty Grace O'Connor, 90

The following obituary is from Donnellan Family Funeral Home:

Betty Grace O’Connor nee McMillan of Lake Forest, IL and Naples Fl. It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betty O’Connor on September 9, 2014 in Naples Fla.

The unyielding example of her amazing strength, generous spirit, and infectious love for life inspires and brings comfort as we remember and mourn her.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Jan Hoban, Bill (Julie) O’Connor, Cathy (Paul) Michaelson; treasured grandchildren: Katelyn(Andy) Leighton, Sean Hoban, Will Michaelson, Lindsay Michaelson, Annie Michaelson, Maggie O’Connor, Daniel O’Connor and Erin O’Connor and her sweet great grandchildren: Elliot and Alice Leighton. She was predeceased by the love of her life and adoring husband of 64 years, Harold O’Connor, her grandson Baby Billy O’Connor, and her three sisters.

Betty was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. As a young bride she moved to Montreal, Quebec in 1949 in support of her husband’s career at Canadian National Railway. There she and Hal started their family, she learned to drive a car, and she took up the sport of curling. Betty quickly became an exceptional curler and held the position of skip for her team, earning her Glenmore Curling Club team mention in the South Shore News on several occasions.

In 1968 the family moved to Lake Forest, Illinois. After their move, Betty and Hal made new friends through the sports they loved, joining North Shore Country Club and spending their leisure time there golfing, curling and socializing. Betty found great joy in any social setting and easily made friends with her infectious and sincere laugh.

In 1976, Betty and Hal found Naples, Florida where they settled for retirement and continued golfing enthusiastically at Imperial Golf Club. Betty served as the President of 18-hole Ladies Golf Association in 1995 and ’96 at Imperial.

Betty often remarked on what a blessed life she lived. She and Hal travelled throughout the world, mostly with cherished friends on golf tours. Often, they would revisit some of their favorite destinations with their entire family to celebrate momentous occasions such as birthdays or their 50th wedding anniversary. Her last big adventure was traveling with all 17 members of her family to Ireland to celebrate her 90th birthday just last month.

Her greatest joy in life was to be with family, all of whom will miss her dearly.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Renee Radcliffe, Betty’s dear caregiver her last few months of life. Renee cared for Betty as if she were her own mother and was with her, holding her hand and comforting her until the end. We will be forever grateful for Renee.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday September 27, 2014, 11:00 AM at Donnellan Family Funeral Home
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RECEPTION

Saturday September 27, 2014 at North Shore Country Club, 1340 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL 60025
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INTERMENT IS PRIVATE

FACTS

Born: August 6, 1924
Death: September 9, 2014

GUESTBOOK

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MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Memorial donations can be made to:
The Salvation Army, 5040 North Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL 60630
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 525 West Monroe St. Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661