Obituary of Mary Moriaty O'Connor

Mary Moriaty O’Connor, age 90, passed away at her home in Kingston, NH on Tuesday, March 19, 2025.  She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph O’Connor, with whom she had shared over 60 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Hyde Park, MA on July 2, 1934, she was the only child of the late Joseph and Isabelle (Leonard) Moriaty.  Mary spent some of her younger years in Hyde Park, before moving to Norwood when she was eight.  She was a graduate of Norwood High School, and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Boston College.  The town of Norwood remained Mary’s home until she met her beloved husband, Joseph. 

They settled down in Burlington after they were married in 1964, and raised their three sons in a home filled with love, support for one another, and schedules packed with athletics.  When Mary was growing up, she was incredibly athletic, and played through her college years for the varsity volleyball team at Boston College.  It only made sense that she passed down her love for sports to her boys.  No matter what they were involved in, Mary would travel any distance to be a supportive presence at every event they had—sometimes she even coached.  It was obvious to everyone that she was deeply proud of them and their accomplishments throughout the years.  When Mary wasn’t playing “taxi mom” though, she worked full time and as a substitute teacher for Burlington Public Schools, and doted on her husband and beloved children.  The family would also take a yearly trip to Hampton Beach during the third week of August.  They all looked forward to relaxing at the beach and making countless, lasting memories together there.

As Mary and her family grew older, she and her husband began traveling regularly and extensively.  Joseph’s love for genealogy lead them to various places all around the world.  They especially enjoyed their trips to England and Ireland to see where Joseph’s family came from, and even traveled back to Korea where he had served in the military.  They also purchased a boat that was proudly named the “Queen Mary”, and they would sail together on Sundays up the Charles River to Boston Harbor.  They were also active members of the Newton Yacht Club.  Together, they truly lead a life of adventure and devotion to one another.  When they weren’t off on one of their many excursions, Mary would often read, or enjoy quiet household tasks.  She was a softspoken, quiet woman, but no one in her group of family and friends could ever question how deeply her love ran for them.  That love only grew ten-fold when her five grandchildren joined the family.  Mary’s adoration for her husband, children and grandchildren truly knew no bounds, and the memories and joy she brought to their lives will last for years to come.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Joseph O'Connor.  Mary is survived by her son, Paul O’Connor of Kingston, NH, and her cherished grandchildren, Caitlin “Katie”, Brendan, Peyton, Shannon, and Sean O’Connor, as well as many other dear relatives and friends.

Mary was the loving mother of the late Stephen O’Connor, and the late Michael O’Connor.

At the request of the family, all services for Mary will be held privately.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the MSPCA, or by mail to 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.  Arrangements in the care of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home.