Florence Esther O’Connor, age 91, of The Villages, Florida, passed away Friday, June 27, 2025.
She was born February 11, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Albert William Bradley Taylor and Doris Margaret (Edwards) Taylor. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John Francis O’Connor Jr.; her brother, George Lesley Taylor; and her sisters, Doris Jane (Taylor) Hudson; Alice Mae (Taylor) Bergstrom; and Hylda Alberta (Taylor) Ahlstrom.
As a young woman she was a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She graduated from Mentor High School in Ohio in 1952 and was part of the Mentor Cardinals High School Marching Band as a clarinetist. Her lengthy career as an administrative secretary and executive assistant culminated as the Receptionist and then Assistant to the Director for University School – Shaker Heights, Ohio campus serving for fifteen years until her retirement in 1995.
She liked to read, bake, decorate her home and do art and crafts specially creating handmade Christmas gifts for others. She was a dog and animal lover since she was a little girl with a passion for her Bichons Frises Molly and Darby in her later years.
She is survived by and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Robin Lyn O’Connor and her son-in-law, Jose (Joe) William Vilches. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, cousin, nieces, and nephews. Throughout her life, she loved, fiercely protected, and supported her beloved daughter and relied on her son-in-law for love and guidance.
At her request, there was a private cremation with interment in the Florida National Cemetery with her husband John. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice.