Prairie State Wire

Rita F. O'Connor, aged 96, of Irwin, passed away on July 4, 2025, at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on May 10, 1929, in Bradley, to Henry and Jenny Burton Menard. Rita was married to Paul "Babe" O'Connor on September 16, 1950, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, who preceded her in death in 1996. Rita found joy in gardening, crocheting, dancing, and traveling, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated parishioner of St. James Catholic Church in Irwin.

Rita is survived by her son, Paul "Billy" (Kristin) O'Connor, and five daughters: Linda (Terry) Burns, Paula O'Connor, Madonna (Roger) Gray, Sandra (Luis) Duran, and Jodi (Dale) Prairie. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her husband, Rita was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Brenda Ziemer, and several siblings.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home in Kankakee. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Irwin, with interment to follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Irwin.

Memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church CCW, Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, or for Masses.

To send a memorial gift to the family of Rita F. O'Connor, please visit the Sympathy Store. Rita will be remembered for her love of family and the joy she brought to all those around her.

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