Elizabeth M. O'Connor

Elizabeth M.  "Betty" O'Connor 85, of Cranston passed away peacefully on January 27,  2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife to her husband of 64 years John P. O'Connor  who passed away in February 2019.   Elizabeth was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and is survived by her four sons, Michael J. and wife Teri Dutilly of Key West, Florida, John P. Jr. and wife Mary of Warwick, Kevin M. of Warwick, and Christopher J. and wife Michelle of Cranston. She was the mother  in law of Deborah and Carol O'Connor and mother of the late Daniel M. and Timothy J. O'Connor. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Kimberly Crance, Christina O'Connor,  David, Jenna, Jillian O'Connor, Kaitlyn Correia and her great grandchildren Bryce, Everly,  and Maci 

Elizabeth met her husband John in Philadelphia while he proudly served his country in the United States Navy. While stationed in Philadelphia, Elizabeth met John at a sponsored USO dance leading to lifelong romance.  Returning from a tour of duty, John and Elizabeth married on Sunday August 20, 1954.  Moving back to Providence after John's enlistment ended with son Michael, the young married couple forged a lifetime together that came with many challenges and health hardships but was always full of great love and enduring devotion to each other and and their 6 sons.

For over 20 years, Elizabeth worked for the 1025 Club often waitressing 6 or 7 nights a week on end,  working opposite ends of the clock from John who worked days for National Grid.  She was a communicate of St. Matthew Church in Cranston.  Elizabeth's greatest joy in life was her family.  She put in all those longs hours working to put her children through private schools as their education was her biggest focus in raising them.  Being a very strong woman, Elizabeth never had a problem being a tough but fair disciplinarian always wanting to raise her children to be well mannered, well behaved, and most of all, to be respected by whomever her children encountered whether in the neighborhood they grew up in or the schools they attended.  Lastly, Elizabeth always wore a warm smile.  Even with her many health issues especially later in life, Elizabeth was one to never complain.  Rather she always focused on everyone else, never on herself.

With her husband John being an accomplished pianist and musician, nothing brought Elizabeth more smiles and enjoyment than enjoying the beautiful and endless music he played at home.  Perhaps the best time of year Elizabeth enjoyed was the Christmas season in which holiday decorations and excitement of her children waiting for Santa Claus along with many Christmas songs that John would play on piano that the family would sing along to, gave her a lifetime of warm and happy memories and great expectations for the next Christmas season.  The "Great American Songbook" that John would play and Elizabeth would sing to, provided them with many songs full of great music and passionate lyrics that captured the love they shared.  Their unconditional love, devotion, and sacrifice to each one another was a terrific example to their children and grand kids who can look to many cherished memories and moments in their life together to inspire and guide them in their own.  "Mom" was a great woman!

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 31st at 9:30am in St. Matthew Church 1299 Elwood Avenue Cranston. Burial will be private.   Calling hours are Thursday January 30th from 5:00-7:00pm in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth's name may be made to The Hasbro Children's Hospital.