Muriel (Maher) O'Connor Obituary

Muriel (Maher) O'Connor, 91, of Narragansett, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2016. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Francis "Chuck" O'Connor. Born in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of the late William F. and Ellen (Rooney) Maher. She was raised and educated in Providence, graduating from St. Patrick's High School in 1942 and Rhode Island College, class of 1946. Mrs. O'Connor was a kindergarten teacher in the Providence School System for almost forty years. She taught in several schools, including Ralph Street School and Laurel Hill Avenue School for many years, retiring in 1986. She loved teaching and her students, and told wonderful stories about "all her good kids." She was a woman of strong faith, a communicant of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish and faithfully attended Mass well in to her 91st year. She was a wonderful wife, friend, neighbor, and the best "Aunt Muriel" her nieces and nephews could ever have. She not only loved, but "liked" her husband Chuck and always called him her "cutie" – Theirs was a match made in heaven, and now will continue there. She was always there for her family, never said an unkind word, and how she lived was an example to all. She could always be counted on for support and guidance. Muriel was predeceased by her parents, her sister Helen (Maher) McCormick and brother, Dr. William Maher. She is survived by eleven nieces and nephews, Joan (McCormick) Scopel, Patty (McCormick) Richard, and Bobby McCormick of Warwick, Bill McCormick of Brookline, MA, Howard Finn of Townsend, MA, Mary (Mickey) Finn-Jordan of Smithfield, Frank Finn of Scituate, RI, John Finn of North Haverhill, NH, Margaret (Falsey) Brillante of Wallingford, CT, Eileen (Falsey) Jenetopulos of Guilford, CT, and Fran Falsey of Jamestown. She is also survived by many grand nieces and nephews as well as many good friends and neighbors. She especially loved her visits from her great grand nephew, baby Angelo and her face lit up when she saw him. She will also be missed by Daisy, who looked forward to her visits with Aunt Muriel, who would always share her muffin! The family wishes to thank the staff at South County Hospital and St. Elizabeth's Rehabilitation Unit. A special, special thanks goes to her caregivers who were with her day and night – especially Judy Drake who was there every day, took her out and about for her hair appointments and pedicures(!), as well as the CNAs from Healthtouch who were family to us all – Alicia Snow, Lisa Kilduff, Carol Awde, and Eunice Flynn. She loved their company and their care. Her funeral will be held Friday morning at 9:45a.m.from the FAGAN-QUINN Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Point Judith Road, Narragansett. Burial will be in RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours will be Thursday evening from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Maryknoll Sisters, Boys Town, or the Salvation Army will be appreciated.