Jane E. O’Connor

Born November 5th, 1941, in Marquette, a daughter of Raymond and Bernice (Robare) Belaire, Jane was raised in Ishpeming. When she was four years old, her father passed away and she and her sisters were raised solely by their mother. Jane attended St. John’s Catholic School in Ishpeming and later graduated from high school in Marquette. Jane raised four children while working part time at various jobs. She mainly worked at the Mining Journal, in the mailroom, for nearly 50 years. A hard worker, she was tough, determined, and often stubborn. She loved Saturday afternoon card games with her lady friends from South Marquette, where friendship combined with coffee and Trenary toast (and possibly a little gossip), kept the afternoons lively. At least it kept the ladies out of trouble! She belonged to cribbage and Bunco clubs, and loved an exciting game of bingo.

Jane is survived by daughters, Sheila O’Connor of Florida and Teresa Evans of Marquette; and son, Ken O’Connor of Illinois. She truly loved being a grandma to Alicia, Billy Jr., Joseph, Melyssa, Alora, John, Rosalie, Jake, Danielle, Greg; and nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Farmer of Ishpeming and Julie Andrew of Louisiana; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her step-father, Arnt Schjonberg and a son, William O’Connor.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, June 11th, from 11:00 am, until 1:00 pm. Interment will be made in the Ishpeming Cemetery at 1:45 pm.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice and to Dr. Katrina Brang for their compassionate and professional care, and for the many kindnesses they extended to the family. A very special thank you also to Tracy Maki and Whitney Baugnet for helping mom throughout the years.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.