Clara Neal O'Connor

 Clara Neal O’Connor, 87, passed away on January 14, 2018, at Regent Park Nursing Facility in Holyoke, CO. She was born of April 1, 1930, to Clarence and Ruby Hagemann as second of four children.  She was a lifetime resident of Phillips County.

     She married Darrel W. O’Connor on October 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 6 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 twenty-seven years working for the US 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 was a member of the Holyoke Christian 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 Niagra 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 she and Darrel.    

     She is survived by her children Linda and Lee Johnson of Fairfield, Larry O’Connor of Brighton, CO, and Leonard and Peggy O’Connor of Greeley, CO.  Grandchildren include Carolyn and Ryan Erb, Lloyd and Sheena Johnson, Timothy and Jill Johnson, Corrie O’Connor, Collin O’Connor, and Steven O’Connor. She has 18 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held on February 17, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Christian Church in Holyoke, Colorado and going to be officiated by Pastor Merle Powell.  Inurnment in the Holyoke Cemetery will follow the service.  Memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church of Holyoke, Colorado.  Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements for this service.  

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