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Obituary of Carolyn Dorothy O'Connor
Carolyn Dorothy O'Connor
Date of Death: Monday, January 20, 2025
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Carolyn Dorothy O’Connor, a woman whose life was marked by love, family, faith, and service. Born in Passaic and raised in Boonton, New Jersey, she was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and friend who touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity.
Carolyn was a proud graduate of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Boonton, NJ, Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell, NJ, and attended Caldwell College. She married a West Point cadet, James O'Connor, and then continued her education at Austin Peay College in Tennessee and became a school teacher until starting a family. As an officer's wife, Carolyn built a loving home for her growing family, living in places across the country and abroad, including Kentucky, Germany, Maryland, North Carolina, and Kansas.
Upon returning to New Jersey, Carolyn and her husband settled down with their eight children, where she began a successful career as a restaurant and real estate entrepreneur. For ten years, she nurtured her family and built a thriving business, always making time to show love and care for those around her.
Her devotion to her family never wavered. A mother of eight children and grandmother of 24, she showered each of them with love, wisdom, and encouragement. Her family was her greatest joy, and she took pride in seeing each of her children and grandchildren flourish. She will always be remembered for the warmth she brought to her home, the lessons she imparted, and the caring attention she gave to all around her.
Carolyn made her homes in Miami Beach, FL, and Ocean Grove, NJ, but her heart always belonged to her hometown of Boonton. Whether near or far, she remained fond of the community and the church that shaped her early life.
At the age of two Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Frederick Petrik, and later by her mother, Caroline Logan, her stepfather, Robert T. Logan, and her dear brother, Kenneth Petrik. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, James O'Connor, her eight children, and 24 grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her legacy will live on through them:
James (Annette and children: James, Ryan, Sean, Katherine, Kevin)
Mary (Jose Fernandes and children: Daniel, Caroline, James)
Kenneth (Tina and children: Kenneth, Colleen, Thomas)
Kevin (Christine and children: Kyle, Kristen, Carolyn, Katelyn)
Timothy (Christelle and children: Christopher, Michael, Mary)
Caroline (Derek Borgert and children: Jonathan, James)
Maureen (Sean Duffy and children: McKayla, Molly, Maeve, Mary)
Margaret (Christopher Owens)
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, January 27 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Boonton, NJ, the very place where she began her journey of faith, played music, and celebrated her wedding. Her family finds comfort in the cherished memories of a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and we hope to be reunited with her in Heaven.

