Jeanette M. O'Connor, of Pearl City, Illinois (previously of Highland, Indiana), passed away peacefully on September 28, 2020 at the age of 93.

Survivors include her four children: Tony (Joanne) O'Connor of Torrance, CA, Sr. Marie-Catherine (Rose Marie) of La Celle, France, Marguerite (Dan) Harrington of Pearl City, IL, and Jeanette (Joseph) Sladky of Chester Gap, VA. She leaves behind 21 adoring grandchildren: Ashley O'Connor; Mary (Peter) Norris, Colleen (David) Lahood, Joseph, Patrick (Rachel), Michael, Claire (Bruno) Baio, Timothy, Anna, Kathleen and Sean (Jack) Harrington; Brigid, Teresa, Joseph, Rose, Patrick, Phillip, Bernadette and Francis Sladky; and five great grandchildren, Magdalene and Blaise Harrington, Mairi Norris, Noreen Lahood and Baby in waiting (Claire and Bruno). She also leaves behind two brothers, Michael and Anthony (Yvonne), and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her dear husband, Richard, she is also predeceased by her brothers Joseph, Clemente, and John DeRosa.

Jeanette was born on May 9, 1927 and lived a long and amazing life. Growing up in East Chicago, IN, she was the eldest and only daughter of Anthony and Rose DeRosa, having five younger brothers. She helped her parents run their family store, DeRosa Imports, but was encouraged by her father to attend college. Despite being very quiet and shy, she left home and graduated from Indiana University with a teaching degree. She taught grade school in California and Indiana until she was swept off her feet by Richard O'Connor. She and Richard married in 1958 and moved to Highland, IN. While raising their children, they managed to travel the world and enjoyed many vacations at their beloved stone cottage overlooking the Celtic Sea in Schull, Co. Cork, Ireland. Her Irish neighbors enjoyed many Italian meals during those years. Later, Jeanette and Richard enjoyed visiting France to see their daughter, Sister Mary Catherine, and her religious order of teaching nuns, the Dominican Congregation of St. Pré.

Jeanette was a devoted mother and grandmother and spent the last 21 years in Pearl City, IL to be near her grandchildren. She was an amazing cook and had a beautiful simplicity about her. She was always a faithful companion to her husband accompanying him to all church services and pro-life work. Always in the background while Richard was alive, she enjoyed being at center-stage when he passed away after 52 years of marriage. She kept us all laughing at her funny comments and enjoying life with her grandchildren. She had a strong, simple faith and enjoyed resting, eating cookies and sweets, and praying her rosary. We will forever miss going into her room to hear her candid responses to just about anything. She was always telling us how blessed she was to be with her family and thanking us for caring for her. We will always miss her humble presence. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, at 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, IL 61032 with recitation of the rosary at 6:30 PM.

Her Requiem Mass will be at St. Mary's Oratory at 517 Elm Street, Rockford, IL 61102 at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020 with Canon Luke Zignago officiating. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00 until Mass begins. In Lieu of flowers the family requests that Masses be said for the repose of the repose of her soul (preferably from St. Mary's Oratory, Rockford, IL) or donations can be made to Illinois Right to Life Committee, P.O box 511, Chicago, IL 60690