Clara O’Connor

    Clara Neal O’Connor, 87, died Jan. 14, 2018, at Regent Park nursing facility in Holyoke. She was born April 1, 1930, to Clarence and Ruby Hagemann as the second of four children. She was a lifetime resident of Phillips County.
    She married Darrel W. O’Connor on Oct. 23, 1948, and the family expanded to five with the birth of Linda, Larry and Leonard. Darrel and Clara farmed southwest of Holyoke for about six years before moving into town. Clara was employed as a telephone switchboard operator before her marriage and after the family moved into Holyoke for several years. She then spent 27 years working for the U.S. Postal Service as carrier then clerk. She was the first female postal clerk in Holyoke.
    She loved the Lord in a gentle yet strong way and had been a member of the Holyoke Christian Church since childhood. She and Darrel financially sponsored an orphan child for many years. She was also a member of the Jolly Dozen Extension Club, AARP and Share Program. She enjoyed volunteering her time and skills to her church and community. She was recognized in 2008 by the Colorado Association of Family and Community Education and in 2010 by the Federal Association for her volunteer services.
    Her many interests included gardening, sewing and outdoor activities. She loved to read and then donated her books to the veterans hospital. She sewed many quilts for family, as well as quilts, lap robes and bibs that were donated to several organizations, including Colorado Children’s Hospital. She loved outdoor activities, especially boating and hunting. Clara had a bucket list of places to visit and greatly enjoyed traveling. This list was completed except for seeing Niagara Falls.
    Clara was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Darrel; grandsons, Jason and Christopher O’Connor; parents and parents-in-law; and siblings of both hers and Darrel’s.
    She is survived by her children, Linda and Lee Johnson of Fairfield, Larry O’Connor of Brighton, and Leonard and Peggy O’Connor of Greeley; grandchildren, Carolyn and Ryan Erb, Lloyd and Sheena Johnson, Timothy and Jill Johnson, Corrie O’Connor, Collin O’Connor and Steven O’Connor; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
    A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church in Holyoke, officiated by Pastor Merle Powell. Inurnment at the Holyoke Cemetery will follow the service.
    Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church of Holyoke.
    Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.