Obituary of Ellen O'Connor

O'Connor, Ellen "June" (nee Morgan) Age 95, a lifelong Elwood resident, June passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. June was born August 31, 1917 to the late Agnes I. (Guildenzoph) and Ira J. Morgan. She attended Elwood grade school and graduated with the Class of 1935 from JTHS. Preceded in death by her husband, Gerald "Frank" O'Connor (2002); two daughters, Maureen A. Hicks (2007), and Debra E. Brockman (2012); her parents and one brother, LaVern J. Morgan (2010). Survived by her sons, Dennis J., Thomas J. (Patti) and Terrance F. O'Connor; two sons-in-law, George Hicks and Steve Brockman; grandchildren, Paul F., Michael R. and Lisa B. Hicks; Kimberly E. Brockman (Adam) Slick and Thomas J. O'Connor II. June will be remembered for her quick-wit, charm and zest for life. She was an excellent cook and seamstress who enjoyed planting flowers. Throughout her entire life she lived on her beautiful Elwood farm, during her youth and throughout her marriage. Everything she did was well planned with a sense of style and flair. She was a true artist who, among other things, created beautiful oil paintings. She will fondly be remembered as a woman of grace and class. June's favorite poem was "If" by Rudyard Kipling, which she could recite by memory. "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you; if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too… If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, and, which is more, you'll be a Man my son!" The O'Connors would like to thank the staff of Rosewood Care Center for their care, compassion and friendship as well as the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice for the level of comfort June received in her final hours. A special thanks to Lisa, for her unlimited dedication of being with her "Gram" throughout her entire stay at Rosewood. As it was June's wish, private services were held with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery in Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com