Kathleen O'Connor

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Kathleen Janet O’Connor, 91, of Midvale Utah, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2022.

Kathleen was born September 4, 1930 in Midvale to Francis Arthur and Florence Wood Anderson. She grew up on the family farm and attended schools in Midvale. She graduated from Jordan High School in 1949. While in school, she was active in clubs and was selected as the Harvest Ball queen her sophomore year. She also completed coursework at the University of Utah.

On August 10, 1951 she married Michael Thomas O’Connor in Midvale. Upon completion of his schooling at the University of Utah and to pursue a career in journalism, they moved to San Diego, and later Sacramento California. They were blessed with five children: Patricia, Michael, Brian, Lisa and Bridget. They later divorced.

In May of 1967, Kathleen and her children returned to Midvale and made their home near family and friends. As a single mother, Kathleen raised her five children through challenging times to include illness and at times financial struggle. She taught her family to seek Heavenly Father for guidance, work hard, strive to be honest, and serve others. From lessons taught by Kathleen, her children went on to various achievements to include graduate college, serve as full-time missionaries, raise strong families, succeed in small business and serve honorably in the military.

Kathleen’s greatest joy was her family. She found delight in her children and grandchildren and was ready with a listening ear and positive words of encouragement. She welcomed family and friends with a warm, kind demeanor and was always complimentary of others, quick to point out the strengths and qualities of the people around her. She used positive, affirming words to describe others like ‘beautiful’ ‘smart’ ‘gorgeous.’ She was affectionally called ‘Grandma Gorgeous’ by some of her grandchildren.

A talented artist, she enjoyed painting, drawing and appreciated the artwork of others. She also enjoyed watching movies and the outdoors. She has fond memories as a child of camping with family in Yellowstone. She loved sunshine, flowers, and the company of family and friends.

Kathleen worked at the Federal Reserve Bank, Walker Bank and Salt Lake County. She retired in 1996.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served in the Primary and Relief Society and enjoyed the friendship and support of ward members. Her efforts to live and practice Gospel teachings, especially during times of difficulty, has served as a powerful teaching example to her children.

Kathleen was dearly loved by her family and friends. Her warm smile and accepting, Christ-like approach to life and people will be greatly missed.

Kathleen is survived by her children: Patricia (Creigh) Gibson of Randolph New Jersey; Michael (Rhonda) O’Connor of Idaho Falls Idaho; Brian O’Connor of Midvale; Lisa (Terry) Grant of Alpine Utah; and Bridget O’Connor of Herriman Utah; brother, Burton Anderson of West Jordan Utah; 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Francis Anderson; mother, Florence Anderson; brother, Clayton Anderson; sister, Shirley Hansen; and brother, Bryant Anderson.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Midvale East 1st Ward, 240 Greenwood Circle (7570 South) Midvale, Utah. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in the Murray City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home.