Obituary of Marina O'Connor

Marina O’Connor passed away peacefully on Monday, September 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Marina was 84 years old.
 
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Marina was the daughter of the late Francis and Carmella (Morrone) Petrosina. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas O’Connor who together shared 45 years of marriage until his passing in 2006. Marina helped raise her family in Toby Farms, PA (near Brookhaven) where she made many good friends and lasting memories before moving to Bear, DE after the passing of her husband.
 
Marina received her associate degree from St. Joseph’s University and began a work life that spanned many careers including teaching, corresponding for the DelCo Times, customer support at Comcast Cable, and a bank teller with First Pennsylvania Bank. There was no job she couldn’t handle, and she cherished the relationships she made with her customers and co-workers.
 
Marina enjoyed playing the piano and was known by family and friends as a card shark. She could count cards with the best of them and was a master at Pinochle. She had a gift for creative writing and often expressed herself with poems, stories, or lovely thoughts that she wanted to share with the world. Not letting retirement slow her down, Marina taught a creative writing class at the local senior center in Bear, DE. Marina loved the Poconos and spent many summers there with her husband. She was an avid Penn State Football fan who never missed watching a game on TV. But, foremost in her heart was the love she had for her family and spending time with them.
 
In addition to her husband, Thomas O’Connor, Marina is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Carmella, her aunt, Angelina Morrone, as well as her canine best friend, Cody, who was her loyal friend for the last 16 years.
 
Marina is survived by her four children: Deborah (Walter) Kramer, David (Kathie) O'Connor, Kevin (Kristine) O'Connor, and Chris (Lisa) O'Connor; eleven grandchildren: Caitlin (Dan) Tague, Zachary Kramer, Brendan, Michael, Kelsey, Bryn, Mackenna, Daniel, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Allisa O'Connor; one great-granddaughter, Madeline Tague; and her sister, Geraldine Halloran;
brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marina’s commanding presence and loving spirit will be missed by all.
 
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 14, from 6:00 - 7:30PM at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd, Garnet Valley, PA followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 7:30PM. Interment will remain private. Donations in Marina's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.