Jeanette Mae (Merrell) O'Connor

Jeanette Mae (Jenny) O'Connor of Massillon, Ohio, left this world peacefully on April 9, 2018.  Born to William and Arlene Merrell (deceased) on November 19, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her husband of seventy-one years, James E. O'Connor, as well as her identical twin sister, Geraldine.   She is survived by her four children:  Jim of Vallejo, California, Paul (Julie) of Canton, Patrick (Tracy) of North Canton and Geraldine (Robert) Sawrey of Union, Kentucky as well as her brother William (Marie) Merrell of North Olmstead.  She was grandmother to six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.    
Jenny attended John Hay High School in Cleveland prior to marrying her husband during World War II.  After the war and the birth of her first son, Jenny moved with her husband to Massillon where they purchased their first home on Amherst Road.  She and her husband continued to live in the Massillon-Canton area the remainder of their lives.  
All of her children firmly believe there was never a mother more wonderful than her.  Never one to say a negative word about anyone, she was loyal, caring, thoughtful and humble.  She always looked for the best in others and was beloved by those who knew her.  She was a sensitive and kind person, not only to her family, but to anyone she met.  She was quick to befriend those in need and extend a helping hand and prayer to those in need of assistance.  
Beginning in early adulthood through her mid-80s, Jenny could be found volunteering at least weekly in local hospitals in the Massillon-Canton area.  She also invested her time and talents in a variety of ways through the work of her church.  Her primary interest was helping children grow and learn whether through teaching Sunday school or leading Cub Scout meetings as a den mother.  
And, she was fun!  Jenny loved to play games of all kinds all her life and loved cheering on her favorite sports teams or golfer. She seemed like she was always singing as she worked around the house.  She was creative, making gloomchasers, pressed flower arrangements, quilts and other works of art through the various needle arts.  She loved to cook and bake and made each holiday special for her family as well as others in the community.  She was compassionate towards animals, including the cat she adopted, Pretty Boy Bill, after her husband passed away in 2015.
Her family would like to express their appreciation to The Danbury Assisted Living Facility for their care and friendship to Jenny for the past twenty months;  to Dr. Don Zimmerman for his skill in caring for her over the years; and to the congregation of Central Presbyterian Church for their continuous love and prayers.  
On Friday, April 13, 2018, a celebration of Jenny's life will be held at Central Presbyterian Church in Massillon at 11:30 am.  Rev. Larry Lalama will officiate.  Calling hours will be held that same morning at the church prior to the service from 10 - 11:30 am.   Burial will be at Sunset Hills Burial Park immediately following the service.  The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jenny O'Connor Children's Fund or to the Memorial Fund of Central Presbyterian Church, 47 2nd Street NE, Massillon, OH  44646.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.

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