| Notes |
- A. J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Directors
Marilyn Reynolds O'Connor
September 6, 1928 - February 6, 2021
Marilyn Reynolds O'Connor, 92, of Saline, MI, died peacefully at her home on February 6, 2021.
Marilyn was born on September 6, 1928, in Mt. Kisco, New York, to her parents Walton and Esther Reynolds.
She grew up in Waccabuc, New York, with her brother Stanley Reynolds. The family lived in a house her father built overlooking Lake Waccabuc. It was here that she developed her love of lake living and nature. Marilyn graduated from John Jay High School in Cross River, NY, in 1946. She was popular and her vivacious personality earned her the nickname "Sparky".
Marilyn married John Lanning O'Connor on April 19, 1952 in Katonah, New York. They were happily married for 66 years. As a devoted couple they created a wonderful life that included several years living abroad in Lisbon, Portugal and Rome, Italy, while John worked for Ford Motor Company. During their years together, they had six children: Kevin John (Ashford), the late Gregory Stephen, Geoffrey Reynolds, the late Caryn Elise, Stephen Jay, and John Andrew (Heddie); and two grandsons, Ryan Michael and Matthew Benham. Three of their six children were born in Europe (Caryn and Stephen in Lisbon, John Andrew in Rome). After moving back to the United States the family settled in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
As a mother Marilyn was beloved by her children who admired her strength, devotion and adventurous personality. Her family home was a fun and warm place to live, and it often included several pets, such as, a squirrel monkey, cocker spaniel, a grey squirrel, and every wild creature her children brought home. She loved the tradition and joy of the holidays and always made them very special. She was a tireless listener and reassuring confidant who would do anything for her family.
Later in life Marilyn loved to travel, especially with her family, as often as she could, her best-loved destination being Italy, where she returned several times. Other favorite trips were to Israel, Egypt and Ireland. She was up for anything, anytime, with a true adventurer's spirit.
She also loved to volunteer. She spent many of her empty-nest years volunteering at the Pontiac Rescue Mission and women's centers.
Marilyn spent her last two years living at Linden Square Assisted Living Center in Saline. She was provided excellent care and enjoyed living there. Much of her time was spent participating in various crafting activities and taking joy in the company of other residents, staff, and family. She loved outings with her boys that included kayak trips down the Huron River, tailgating with new friends at a Michigan football game, and hitting the local Ann Arbor area restaurants and stores.
Marilyn was admired for her quick wit, positive attitude, determination, beaming smile and lovely personality. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Walton and Esther Reynolds, brother Stanley Reynolds, spouse John Lanning O'Connor, and children Gregory Stephen O'Connor and Caryn Elise O'Connor.
Marilyn is survived by her sons Kevin John O'Connor of Fresno, CA, Geoffrey Reynolds O'Connor of Ann Arbor, MI, Stephen Jay O'Connor of Bloomfield Hills, MI, John Andrew O'Connor of West Bloomfield, MI, and her grandsons, Ryan Michael O'Connor of Fresno, CA and Matthew Benham O'Connor of San Diego, CA.
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1928 - 2021 (92 years)
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