SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Elizabeth Wilcox O’Connor. Mary was born in the living room of her parent’s home in Saratoga Springs, one month before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The fifth child of seven, Saratoga Springs is the city she loved, and lived in, for her entire life.
Mary passed away on November 6, 2023 on her 82nd birthday after a long illness. Mary suffered from a rare disease that occurs in only five people out of a million. It was a long, cruel struggle, but Mary’s positive outlook helped her, and her family, to endure the way it devastated her.
Mary’s parents were Edward and Veronica (Baker) Wilcox of Saratoga Springs. She married her high school sweetheart, John, on July 1, 1961 at St. Clement’s Church. They recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary.
This is not a story about someone who traveled the world or had a PhD. This was a beloved wife, Mom, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother who loved her family and enjoyed spending all of her time with them. She warmly welcomed anyone, and her heart had room for everyone, especially children of all ages.
Mary was the classmate you wanted to sit with in the high school cafeteria. The friend you could call anytime you needed to be uplifted, in mind and in spirit. You knew you would end her lively conversation feeling better. Mary was the mother of five who loved giving parties, sleepovers for grandchildren, and neighbors’ children. She had a strong, loving shoulder to cry on. Laughter was her only prescription.
She taught many children to swim, even though she had a fear of the water after nearly drowning. Her day-care children had the best person to watch over them. They all learned what real love was at an early age. She had the very best parents to work for, and they all trusted her with their children, always showing their appreciation for her love, humor and free advice.
Mary’s home was a happy place to visit. There was no pretending, no secrets. Mary always told it like it was. Funny stories were her specialty. Many wonderful stories that captivated those who listened attentively to every word. One of her favorite times of the year was Halloween, when she created her own costumes and made some for her children. She was a mummy, a Budweiser beer can (that she drew), a gorilla, and even masqueraded as a homeless man. Her creativeness sometimes got her into a bit of trouble, but she left behind some very memorable moments.
Halloween was just the beginning of her agenda. Christmas shopping had already begun, menus were precisely prepared, and soon her famous Thanksgiving dinners, followed by her famous Christmas Eves. Those celebrations will never be the same without her
joyful presence.
Mary leaves behind her loving husband John, her wonderful children Lynn (Jack) Barney, Chris (Annette) O’Connor, Colleen (James) Landis, Dan (Maren Coniglione) O’Connor, their children; John Barney, Melissa (Logan) Cote, Andrew, Owen, William, Alex O’Connor, Joel, Elise, Adriel, Hana, Lydia, Ruth, Gail, Maggie, Rhoda, Sharon, George, Isaac Landis, and Ayla O’Connor.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, her infant son Michael, siblings Eleanor, Wayne, Bob, and Lois Wilcox. She is survived by her sister Debbie and brother Gary, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service took place Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Compassionate Funeral Care, located at 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Visiting hours for friends and family were held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Donations can be made to Wesley Health Care Center or Community Hospice.
For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com
