Kathleen O'Connor

MILLBURY – Kathleen M. (Krumsiek) O’Connor, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 5th in UMass Medical Center after a short illness.

Kathleen’s husband of 40 years, James F. O’Connor passed away in 1996. Kathleen leaves 6 children and their spouses, Laurie and Joseph Zilioli of Concord, Kathleen (Kelly) and Steven Whiting of Holden, Jeffrey and Sara O’Connor of Worcester, Patrick and Sharon O’Connor of West Boylston, Kerrie and Gregory Latino of Oxford, and T.G. and Jodie O’Connor of West Boylston, 6 siblings, Heidi Beliveau, Jean Trottier, Judy Crespo, Jacquelyn Krumsiek, Anthony Krumsiek, and Daniel Krumsiek, 27 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Leo and Antoinette Bleau Krumsiek, two brothers Joe and Michael, daughter Heidi Goodline, son James O’Connor, and granddaughter Tonilee O’Connor.

Kathleen grew up in Millbury and raised her family in Shrewsbury, before moving back to Millbury. Kathleen worked at Sprague Electric in Worcester, and after retirement, for Print Guard in Millbury.

She was an active member of St. Brigid’s Church and a volunteer for the Millbury Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Kathleen loved bowling, her vegetable gardens, and even in her eighties, mowing her lawn. She also loved family gatherings such as her yearly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at O’Connor’s, an annual Easter egg hunt of hiding money for every age group from 2-64 (some eggs that were never even found), her Thanksgiving nights where the doors were always open to everyone with dozens of pies and celebration for all, and Christmas parties where she would have gifts for everyone, including unexpected visitors. She loved to cook and always made sure that everyone was welcomed.

She was the oldest of nine children- and the Boss. She was a rock. Tough as nails and loving as could be. Always willing and there for her family. Everyone she met, loved her. She was a mother to the neighborhood and never turned anyone away that needed help. That was Mom, Grammie O’Connor, and Sister. Gone but never forgotten. You will be missed more than we can put into words.

Family and friends will celebrate and remember Kathleen’s life with a time of visitation on Tuesday, August 10th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mulhane Home for funerals, 45 N. Main Street in Millbury.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 11th at 10 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street in Millbury. Burial will follow in St. Brigid Cemetery, Millbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Millbury Fire Department Gift Account, 127 Elm Street Millbury MA 01527.