Obituary of Carmela T. O'Connor

Carmela O’Connor, 103, passed away peacefully at Addeo Hospice in Staten Island on March 3, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Tom O’Connor for 40 years and a loving step-mom to the late Joyce O’Connor. Carmela was devoted to her daughter Kate O’Connor and cherished her grandson Matthew Jimenez. He and his wife Jordan Curry honored Carmela by naming her great-grandchild Ella Jane after her in December 2020. Carmela was born on Baxter Street in Little Italy but moved to Brooklyn when she was 6 years old. She met her husband Tom while working at Mounting and Finishing in Industry City, and they were married on December 14, 1954. She worked as a manicurist at Miss Beauty near Brooklyn College for several years. Carmela remained in her apartment on 63rd Street until she was 98 years old and moved to the independent living facility at Esplanade. Having suffered significant side effects of COVID in 2020, Carmela moved to Addeo Hospice and was not expected to survive more than six months. Given their compassionate care, she lived contently for two more years. Every staff member fell in love with the sweet lady with the beautiful smile. Carmela loved dancing to swing music, listening to Frank Sinatra, and going to Broadway shows with her daughter. Her favorite comedian was Chris Rock, and she enjoyed watching “Jeopardy” every night. She will best be remembered for her kindness and generosity toward everyone she met. She was embraced by her family, friends, and neighbors for her warmth and enthusiasm for helping others. In October 2020, Carmela was interviewed for an article and was asked for the secret to her longevity. She replied, “Love,” and this certainly embodied how she lived her life. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Thursday, departing at 9:45 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church at 10:30 am. Interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, Queens, NY. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to St. Francis Bread Line, 144 W 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001