Mary Frances O'Connor

Mary Frances O'Connor, age 81, a beloved beautician of Towanda, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, morning, June 26, 2024, at the Guthrie Troy Community Hospital. She was a pillar of the community, dedicating over 50 years of her life to beautifying others. Mary’s life was a testament of kindness and warmth that touched the hearts of all who knew her.  

Mary was born in Sayre, PA, on April 13, 1943, a daughter of the late John J. O’Connor and Bernice E. Wilcox O’Connor. She graduated from Athens High School a member of the class of 1961. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she went to Beauty School and graduated from the City Barber Institute in Wilkes Barre, PA, in 1962.  

For over five decades, she owned and operated her own salon, bringing joy to countless clients who walked through her doors. Her skillful hands and warm personality left lasting impressions on all who had the pleasure of being in her care. Throughout her long career as a beautician, Mary not only transformed her clients' outward appearances but also uplifted their spirits with her gentle and compassionate nature. Her own salon was not just a place of beauty treatments but a sanctuary where her clients found solace in her presence. Mary's commitment to her craft was unwavering, and her talent shone through in every hairstyle she created and every smile she brought to her clients' faces. She also did hair outside of her shop in the Personal Care Home and the Colonial Towers. Mary's career as a beautician was not just a profession but a passion that she poured her heart and soul into.  

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary will be remembered for her profound love for family and friends. She cherished moments spent with her loved ones, infusing gatherings with laughter, joy, and a sense of belonging. Her home was always open, and her heart was always full of love for those around her. Whether it was sharing stories over a cup of coffee or laughing together during gatherings, she valued these moments dearly. Her presence always made others feel at ease, creating an atmosphere of comfort wherever she went. For the last 30 plus years Mary and her dearest friend Joyce VanDusen could be found at Dunkin Donuts every morning enjoying their coffee and the comradery of the morning Dunkin Crew.  

Mary was a lifelong Catholic and a member of SS: Peter & Paul’s Church in Towanda. Prior to attending at SS: Peter & Paul’s, she grew up in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ridgebury Township. Mary was devoted to her Catholic faith and found solace and strength in her spiritual beliefs. For many years she lived on North Main Street and was a member of the North Main Street Birthday Club.  

Mary's passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew her. However, her memory will live on in the hearts of her surviving family members: her sister Margaret "Peg" Miller, niece Catherine J. Miller, and nephew Christopher R. Miller. She is also survived by special cousins, Eileen Farr and Kathy Hillyard, and a godson Nicholas Funk. Also surviving are special friends who Mary considered as family: the descendants of the late Irvine and Louise Benjamin family and the late S. Dean and Barbara Benjamin family and also Deb Ryan. Mary also leaves behind her beloved Dog, Lady.  

Though she may have departed this world, her memory lives on through all those who were touched by her kindness. 

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by special cousins: Marguerite Norton, Marion “Freddie’ Stewart, and Michael “Mike” Wilcox, and lifelong dear friends: Joyce A. VanDusen, Louise Benjamin, and Barbara Benjamin. She was also predeceased by her beloved dogs: Betsy, Mindy, and Daisy.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at SS. Peter & Paul’s Church, Towanda, PA, with the Rev. Jose Joseph Kuriappilly, her pastor, presiding. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Ulster, PA. 

Family and friends may call on Wednesday morning, July 3, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM in the SS. Peter & Paul’s Church, Towanda, PA. 

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bradford County Humane Society, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850 or to the Happy Tails No Kill Animal Shelter, Inc., 500 Cemetery Road, Towanda, PA 18848. 

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.