Mae O’Connor died Saturday of cancer in her home on Chicago’s South Side. She never divulged her age, a wish that her family honored in her death, said her daughter Kathy Callahan. Mrs. O’Connor lived on the city’s South Side her entire life and raised four children after her husband died at the age of 48. She went to work as a receptionist, becoming an example of independence to her children. She never revealed to her family that she struggled in any way. She believed college was an important goal for her children, and she helped get them there–telling them to earn good grades and to let her worry about the bills. “She took what came her way and dealt with it,” Callahan said. “She was a very good example of a Christian woman. I learned inner strength (from her). She was a truly decent, giving person.” She helped take care of an ailing sister who lived with her and helped out others in her parish. Survivors include two other daughters, Michelle Stasko and Sharon; a son, Martin; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 6435 S. Kilbourn Ave., Chicago.
