Maura O'Connor

Maura Bridget O’Connor, 68, passed away peacefully at home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota on Wednesday, February 18th.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 31, 1957 to Shirley and Timothy O’Connor, Maura was raised in Vadnais Heights and graduated from White Bear Lake Senior High School in 1975. She went on to earn a degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Following 15 years dedicated to teaching and advocating for students, Maura earned a master’s degree in Special Education from St. Cloud State University, proudly becoming the first in her family to attend graduate school. To anyone who knew Maura, her work was her passion and she made a positive, lasting impact in the lives of many students and families throughout rural Minnesota.

Lovingly known as “Mo” to many, she was the first one to make a joke and the last one to say “I love you” when saying goodbye. Her hobbies included traveling (especially to the mountains of Colorado), learning about the supernatural, and cheering for her favorite sports team, The Minnesota Vikings. Maura also dedicated her time to help people and animals alike; her commitment to fostering cats found many pets their forever homes.

Above all, Maura cherished her family. She leaves behind a large and loving network of siblings, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and friends. Maura is survived by her sister Colleen Engman, brother Christopher O’Connor, stepbrothers Mark (Janet) Chappell and Paul (Thomas) Chappell, and stepsisters Laura (Steve) Kelley and Linda (Lee) Bagby. As well, Maura shared a treasured bond with her nephews James, Shawn, Evan, Kyle, her niece Kathryn, and especially her grandniece Estelle.

Maura was preceded in death by parents Timothy and Shirley, brother Terry O’Connor, stepfather Edward Chappell, and sister-in-law Patricia O’Connor.

Maura will always be remembered not only for her sharp sense of humor, but her innate ability to provide a listening ear to others.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.