Obituary of Catherine O'Connor

Catherine Ann O'Connor (nee Horvat) "Sparky" Age 56, of Joliet, IL, passed away Sunday May, 17, 2015 at her home after battling ovarian cancer. She was born June 10, 1958 to Carol Jean (nee Heintz) and John Horvat. A graduate of Joliet Central High School, Class of 1976. She was employed in the meat department of Jewel Food Store on Caton Farm and Rt. 59 the last 18 years, and previously at the former Jefferson St. Store in Joliet. Prior to that she was a cashier at Mitchell's Food Mart on Raynor Ave. Beloved wife of 10 years to Stephen O'Connor; loving mother of Amy Smith (Jon McCormick), Renee (James) Wuttke; Kelly (John) Medeja, Erin (Jason) Lahr, Megan (Roy) Broderick and Corey O'Connor; devoted grandmother of Jakob, Austyn and Jaxon; twins, Aubree and Brody; Nina and Natalie; Alexis and Zac; dearest daughter of Carol and John Horvat; fond sister of James (Susan) Horvat and Daniel (Mary) Horvat; sister-in-law of Nancy (Art) Nyberg, Joseph (Sandra) Centers, Chris (William) Sloyan and Dwain Frieh. Also survived by two aunts, Pat Makeever and Geri Heintz; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by her sister, Joan Frieh; maternal grandparents, Leo and Kathryn Heintz; paternal grandparents, John L. and Anna Horvat; nephew, Keith Horvat in infancy, and two uncles, Robert Makeever and Donald Heintz. Catherine was an accomplished pianist. She loved playing for the choir and musicals in high school. She loved family gatherings and in her free time, she enjoyed old movies on Turner Classics, gardening under the warmth of the sun and holding hands on long walks. She will fondly be remembered as a proud grandmother, devoted to her family. Funeral services for Catherine O'Connor will be held Friday May 22, 2015, 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet, to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Risen Lord Cemetery, Oswego. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in her name can be made to Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwest Regional Medical Center, 2520 Elisha Avenue, Zion, IL 60099 or Pink Heals, Joliet Chapter. Visitation Thursday 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information (815) 741-5500.