Jane E. (Tynan) O'Connor

Jane Tynan O’Connor passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024 surrounded by love and prayers.

Jane, the daughter of Edward and Jane Tynan, sister of Douglas Tynan, widow of Joseph O'Connor, mother of Sean O'Connor (married to Laura) and Colleen Bukowski (married to Joseph), and grandmother of Allie and Zach Bukowski, was born on September 18, 1937 in New York City and spent her early years in Queens. Jane graduated high school from The Mary Lewis Academy and went on to earn her secretarial degree from Katherine Gibbs.  She married Joseph O'Connor (the paper boy) on September 7, 1957.  Shortly after, they moved to El Paso, TX where Joe was stationed in the US Army.  While in El Paso, Sean was born.  After being discharged from the Army, Joe and Jane moved back to Queens (Cambria Heights) where Colleen was born.  In 1968 the company Joe worked for moved to Stamford, CT and the family relocated to Fairfield where Jane lived until her passing.

Jane loved dancing.  She and Joe even taught ballroom dancing and in her later years, Jane took up Irish dancing as a member of the Gaelic American Club.  She had a natural rhythm and grace which came shining through on the dance floor.

Jane loved to travel and she loved her grandchildren. On their 16th birthdays she took Allie to Italy where she taught her how to have fun on a shoestring budget (a new concept for Allie but one that has stuck with her) and took Zach on a cruise to Normandy, France where they both felt a renewed sense of patriotism and wonder.  Other special trips included an exhilarating hiking vacation with Sean and Laura in the Berkshires, a family vacation to snowy Vermont, bicycling trips out west, several cruises (the first with Joe where they won the Limbo contest and two holiday cruises with the Bukowskis and friends), trips to Maine with Joe and Colleen and her grandchildren, and many trips with Pete, her companion in later years, which included The Holy Land, Dollywood, Hawaii, California, Arizona and several winter trips to Florida.

Jane was a member of what affectionately became known as the "Nerd Herd", a group made up of very special friends who filled their weekends with bicycling trips, which also included stopping at every tag sale, long picnic lunches and the occasional siesta.

Jane had many different jobs throughout her life in the corporate world as well as local real estate.  Her favorite job was as pension administrator for Crystal Brands, where her excellent administrative and organizational skills enabled her to flourish and where she formed lifelong friendships. Jane also went back to school and earned her associate degree in business from Sacred Heart University, an accomplishment she was most proud of (as well she should be).

Jane was an active parishioner at St. Pius X church in Fairfield.  She taught CCD for many years, facilitated the bereavement group, and participated in the seniors group.

Jane found much joy and happiness in life’s little pleasures – watching The Sound of Music with her granddaughter, sharing a bag of potato chips with whoever didn’t mind that she would typically eat the whole bag, enjoying a good margarita (although Jane was not a drinker, she had a certain fondness for margaritas), and in later years playing balloon volleyball and scrabble with a very dear friend (with whom she alternately shared the pleasure of winning).

Jane was never happier than when she was spending time with her family.  Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving which included - and still does - gathering with mom's beloved in-laws and their children.  There is not a word that can fully capture her love for her children. She made many personal sacrifices for them as a young widow of 31 trying to make ends meet and raise her family.  Her children never knew of those sacrifices because they never felt they wanted for anything.  And her love for her grandchildren knew no bounds. She was so proud to be able to attend Allie's White Coat Ceremony and Zachary's graduation from Marine Corps boot camp.  She was an amazing woman - strong and beautiful with a wonderful sense of humor and the ability to laugh at herself and find goodness and happiness in the world around her.

While the world is a little bit sadder today, heaven is rejoicing! Jane’s family will be forever grateful for the love and outstanding care she received from her caregivers over the past 5 years, especially Xollie, Winnie, Nicole and Pauline. These women are angels.

Friends may greet the family Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Road, Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Church 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Interment will be held privately at Long Island National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Brain Foundation (https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org) or Calvary Hospital (www.calvaryhospital.org).