Obituary of Mary L. Connor

Mary L. Connor, 82, died at home on Friday, July 17, 2015, after a short illness. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect St., South Orange, N.J., on Wednesday, July 22, at 9:30 a.m. Interment is private. Visitation will be held at Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave., on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. For more information or to send condolences, please visit prestonfuneralhome.net. Born Sept. 4, 1932, in Newark, N.J, Mary lived most of her life in South Orange, N.J. She served her community in various ways. She was South Orange "Villager of the Month" and the first lioness in the South Orange Lions Club as well as the Club's "Woman of the Year." Additionally, Mary held many offices in the South Orange Rescue Squad, as president, captain and secretary. Mary was employed for years in the insurance industry and was a volunteer at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. She will be especially remembered for her quick wit, spirit of adventure, love of family and her strong commitment to the community. Survivors include her sister, Jane O'Donoghue; her nephew, John O'Donoghue; her cousin, Henry Touhey, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and niece, Katherine O'Donoghue-Malanga. In lieu of flowers, donations to the South Orange Rescue Squad, 13 Fourth St., South Orange, N.J. 07079 would be appreciated.