Patricia Claire O’Connor, 85 years young and a longtime resident of Lynbrook, recently of Dominican Village, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024 after a brief illness. Pat will be remembered by those who loved her for her incredible thoughtfulness, quick wit, and the endless joy and laughter she brought to every moment. Her Irish humor and contagious laugh could lift any room, and her thoughtful gestures made everyone she encountered feel loved and cherished. Born in Brooklyn, NY on April 5, 1939, Pat was the daughter of Madeline (Buck) and John O’Connor.  She is pre-deceased by her beloved older sisters Madeline O’Connor Zimmermann, Claire O’Connor and her dear brother-in-law Edward Zimmermann. Pat graduated from St. Savior’s Elementary and High School and earned her degree from Fordham University. She dedicated her career to teaching kindergarten at Davidson Avenue Elementary School in Lynbrook, where she brought her kindness and love of learning to generations of students. Pat would often bump into her former students around town. It made her so happy that they remembered her – and she loved their surprised reactions at seeing that she remembered them! Pat’s curious spirit made her a life-long learner with a sharp and curious mind.  She loved to listen to music and was a voracious reader.  She loved the holidays, decorating and celebrating them all.  Pat loved to travel, and of the many trips abroad she took with Claire, Ireland was her favorite.  Her Irish sense of humor is legendary. She gave us the gift of laughter whenever we were with her. Pat’s warmth extended to her kitchen, where her incredible cooking wasn’t just about the food—it was about the love she poured into every meal. Whether it was her flawless banana bread, multiple trays of deviled eggs, or decadent double-stuffed potatoes, she always brought the most delicious dish to the party. But what made them truly special was her thoughtfulness; she had a knack for remembering everyone’s favorites and delighted in making them feel cherished with a treat just for them. Cooking was one of her many ways of showing how deeply she cared. Pat spent many summers in both Southold and Copake, NY as a child, and spent the quieter summers of retirement in Greenville, Maine on Moosehead Lake, enjoying fudge from the Corner Store in town, boating on the lake, and beautiful sunsets. But Pat’s love and thoughtfulness shone most brightly in her caregiving. She and her sisters lovingly cared for their paralyzed mother for eight years and later, Pat cared for Claire for 10 years after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. After the untimely passing of their sister Madeline, Pat and Claire became second “moms” and “grannies” to their nieces, nephews, and extended family.  Pat is also a Breast Cancer Survivor, powering through during Covid. When she wasn’t with her family, Pat volunteered with many charities and organizations to care for others. Even with her incredibly busy life, Pat always made time for all those she loved most dearly.  Pat is survived by her nieces Madeline Zimmermann Renaghan and Paul, Nancy Zimmermann Tunkel and Mike, and nephews Edward J. Zimmermann and Laurel, John Zimmermann and Kathy.   She is also survived by 3 great-nephews, 3 great-nieces, and 7 great-great-nieces and nephews. Pat’s love, caring and devotion to all of us will never be forgotten. 

The family wants to thank the kind, caring staff at Good Samaritan Hospital MICU and Good Shepard Hospice at Mercy Hospital.

In honor of Pat’s incredible generosity and her commitment to caring for others, memorial donations can be made to Good Shepard Hospice or St. Jude’s Children ‘s Research Hospital.

(See donation link's below)