Eleanor O'Connor, aged 95, a woman of unwavering faith, devoted wife, loving mother, and accomplished teacher and artist, passed away with her loving family by her side on February 12, 2024.

Eleanor was born in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late Ella (Kuhn) and Louis Dame. She was baptized and married in the Detroit parish of Precious Blood. Eleanor joined the IHM convent as a young woman, left before her final vows, and maintained a strong connection to her faith throughout her life.

Eleanor's legacy extends beyond her family. She pursued education, earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. For 34 years, she dedicated herself to shaping young minds in the Detroit Public School District. Later, she earned a master's degree in fine arts and became an award-winning watercolor artist, celebrating the vibrant spectrum of colors, especially her favorite—yellow.

An enthusiast of life's simple joys, Eleanor cherished sunflowers, sunshine, ice cream, and lemon pie until her final day. She was a strong German-Dutch-American woman and a simple inelegant cook who made remarkable sauerkraut! Eleanor's zest for life, unwavering faith, and creative spirit will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have shared in her journey.

Although Eleanor's adored husband of 60 beautiful years, Thomas O'Connor (d. 2016), left this world too soon, they are finally together again.

Eleanor is survived by her dear children, Thomas L. O'Connor, Mary C. (Michael Sullivan) O'Connor, Joseph P. O'Connor, John R. (Pam) O'Connor, and Kenneth J. (Ellen) O'Connor; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, scattered across Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Utah, and Japan. She is preceded in death by her dear son, Paul M. O'Connor (d. 2022).

A funeral mass will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI, 48152, at 11:00 am (in state at 10:30 am). Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery following funeral services.

Please keep Eleanor and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.