WEST BOYLSTON-Therese E. (Ekstrom) O’Connor, 85, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 28 at St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She leaves her husband of 63 years, Carlton J. “Jake” O’Connor; five children, Kathleen T. Parker and her husband Glenn of West Boylston, Kevin T. O’Connor and his wife Linda of Windham, ME, Carol A. Millett and her husband Henry of Whitingham, VT, Christine M. Ohristo and her husband David of Charlton and Ann C. O’Connor-Bruhn and her husband Carl of Carmel, IN. She also leaves ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her brother Paul Ekstrom.
She was born in Worcester daughter of Sigfred and Julia (Miller) Ekstrom. Therese graduated from Millbury High School in 1943 and Russell Sage College, Troy, NY in 1947. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She loved being outdoors and enjoyed flowers, nature and animals. After raising her five children she worked for the Holden, West Boylston and Sterling school systems as a substitute teacher and tutor. Therese was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and its Women’s Club, the Beaman Oak Garden Club and she was a former Girl Scout Leader for many years.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Summit Elder Care for all of their assistance.
The funeral will be held on Friday, October 1st from FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 West Boylston St., W. Boylston with a Mass at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, W. Boylston. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Visiting hours are Thursday, September 30 from 4-8 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Our Lady of Good Counsel Memorial Fund, 111 Worcester St., W. Boylston, MA 01583. For directions and online condolence book please visit www.faybrothers.com