Mary Theresa (Leahy) O’Connor, 77, of Lakewood Ranch, FL, (formerly of West Hartford, CT & Wethersfield, CT) beloved wife of Dennis E. O’Connor for 53 years, passed away peacefully at her home on April 14, 2014 with her loving family at her side. Daughter of the late John and Bridget Leahy, both immigrants from County Kerry, Ireland, she was born on September 18, 1936 in Hartford, CT. Dennis and Mary were married on November 19, 1960 at St. Peter’s Church in Hartford. They purchased a home in Rocky Hill where they resided until they moved to West Hartford in 1967 to accommodate their growing family. They resided in West Hartford for thirty years. In recent years they relocated to Florida, where they enjoyed hosting frequent visits from their children, grandchildren and friends. Mary was a loving and devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. Her love of family and her deep faith was obvious to all who knew her. Mary devoted her life to raising her children to love and respect others. She instilled a desire in each of her children to reach their full potential. Whether it was shuttling her children from one practice to another or making sure their homework was done on time, Mary never let her children forget the importance of following through on commitments and responsibilities. Even in death Mary led by example. Rather than complain about her circumstances she found humor and happiness and truly enjoyed all the calls, cards and visits from her family and friends. Mary faced her illness and death the same way she lived her life: with grace and dignity.

In addition to her husband, Mary leaves behind five children: her daughter Mary Litke and her husband Eric of Wethersfield; her sons John and his wife Geraldine of West Nyack, NY; Daniel and his wife Jennifer of Wethersfield; Michael and his wife Christine of Avon; and Kevin and his wife Kathleen of West Hartford. Mary was blessed to have seventeen grandchildren who will miss their “Nana” very much: Kayla and Emily Litke; Ryan, Sean, Luke and Liam O’Connor; Dillon and Caroline (Callie) O’Connor; Patrick and Brendan Martin; Brandon (Bray), Michael and Kathleen (Kacey) O’Connor; and Erin, Mary, Anne and James O’Connor. In addition, Mary leaves behind her brother Jack Leahy and sister Joan Leahy, both of Hartford, CT. She was predeceased by her sister, Barbara Holmes.