Irene M. O'Connor

Irene M. O’Connor, 92, formerly of East Amherst, passed away April 21, 2024 at her home, Ives Hill Retirement Community, under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County, surrounded by her family.

Irene was born July 21, 1931 in Ogdensburg, daughter of William G. and Ruth A. (Murphy) O’Connor. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Ogdensburg in 1948, from D’Youville College in 1953 and received her MBA from Pace University in 1979.

Irene began working for Union Carbide in 1953. Over the next 43 years she worked for Union Carbide and its subsidiaries in Buffalo, NY, Tarrytown, NY and Danbury, CT.  She completed her career in Buffalo, retiring In 1996 from her position as Corporate OSHA Compliance Officer.

Irene was an avid skier, volunteering for Ski Patrol. She traveled extensively, including a safari in Africa, visiting Australia, and enjoying the wildlife and birds in Costa Rica, Alaska and the Galapagos Islands. She visited every continent except Antarctica.

Surviving are a brother Thomas (Ellen) O’Connor, Watertown and The Villages, FL, a sister, Kathleen Salmon (Douglas), Sun City Center, FL, and brother-in-law Daniel Lynch, Buffalo, NY.  Seven nephews, Michael (Linda) O’Connor, Patrick (Nancy)) O’Connor, Richard (Mary) O’Connor, Thomas (Linda) Lynch, James (Jennifer) Lynch, Daniel Lynch, William (Stephanie) O’Connor and a niece, Theresa (Jason) Cianciolo also survive her.  A brother, John O’Connor and his wife Marion and a sister, Mary Lynch, died before her.

A funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 at 1pm at St. Patrick’s Church followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 928 Jaymor Rd, Suite C120, Southampton, PA 18966. Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc.

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