Mary Regina (Bolan) O'Connor

Mary Regina O’Connor (nee Bolan) beloved wife of the late James “Jim” R. O’Connor II passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2025.  Mary was born on September 7, 1925, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Philip Edward and Mary Katherine Bolan (nee Cronauer).  Her immediate family included seven brothers, one sister, one step-brother and two step-sisters.  All the members of Mary’s immediate family preceded her in death.

Mary graduated with honors from Altoona Catholic High School Class of 1943.  She subsequently earned a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License , as well as a teaching certificate.  She worked as a hairdresser before her marriage to Jim on September 1, 1950, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Mary accompanied her husband on several military deployments within and outside the United States before the family settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1963.  At times throughout her husband’s military career, Mary had to manage the household and raise the family by herself.  Mary’s children remember her as a kind and caring mother and grandmother.

Mary was a prayerful, quiet person who had a strong faith in Jesus that she shared with those with whom she spoke.  She leaves a legacy of generosity, kindness, caring, and service to God and family  in spite of trials and tribulations.  She had an inner strength and fortitude that she did not recognize in herself.

Left to cherish her memory are her seven children:  Colleen Skylakon (late Pete), Teresa O’Connor (Peter Jensen), James O’Connor III (Carol), John O’Connor, Philip O’Connor (late H.R. Draper III), Ruth Scharr (Howard “Bill”) and Joseph O’Connor (Sarah Shi).  Mary is also survived by her seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends.  

A private family graveside service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

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