Kathleen O’Connor, West Babylon resident and Director of Engagement at Atria Bay Shore Senior Living, at 54 – Babylon Beacon

Kathleen O’Connor

Ms. Kathleen O’Connor, a West Babylon resident, beloved Director of Engagement at Atria Bay Shore Senior Living for 16 years, and remarkable sister, aunt, friend and caretaker, died Nov. 4, 2021. She was 54 years old.

Ms. O’Connor was born Jan. 1, 1967 to Bridget and Michael J. O’Connor; the late pair also shared three other children: Patrick, Maureen and the late Michael.

Ms. O’Connor is remembered fondly by friends and family for her beautiful voice, singing as a child in Christmas concerts, as an adult at weddings and around her West Babylon home. She also enjoyed cooking and spending time with her nephews Joe, Michael and Matthew.

“She always put others before herself and would have it no other way. She learned that through her parents, and she gave back as much as she was given,” wrote Marie Pettinos, shared as a “memory” on O’Connor’s online sympathy page. “She spent years of her life caring for her ailing mother, who also never asked for the help, nor complained, and who served as inspiration and likely gave Kathleen the strength to embody the same principles.”

Ms. O’Connor became the Director of Engagement at Atria Bay Shore Senior Living in January 2005, a position she held wholeheartedly until her death.

“Kathleen’s office sat on the second floor, adjacent to my mother Tess Robinson’s apartment. My mother lived at Atria for eight years, dying days before her 107th birthday,” wrote Stephanie Heineman. “Kathleen was a positive force of good for Mom and for us, her children. She was patient, loving, attentive, respectful and generous with her time and spirit. She knew all the little quirks and idiosyncrasies of her residents.”

Diann Avellino-Howe, a client turned close friend, wrote, “Both of my parents were residents for 6 years and I attended Kathleen’s support group meetings. She was my rock during a difficult time; I was a grateful recipient of her compassion, warmth, kindness and knowledge.”

Ms. O’Connor also served as the “Director of Fun” in her family.

“She never came empty-handed to family gatherings, always bringing trinkets and fun activities for the kids to play with while we adults enjoyed each other’s company, laughing and reminiscing about all our antics over the years,” wrote Pettinos.

“Aunt Kat was a woman full of life who cared for everyone she knew,” wrote Julia Cuttone. “She offered me a unique perspective on life – that no matter what obstacles you may face or what you may be going through, you are in control of how you feel at the end of the day.”

Ms. O’Connor i s survived by her brother Patrick O’Connor and his wife Tishe, her sister Maureen Giannini and her husband Joseph, and by her nephews Joe, Michael and Matthew Giannini. She was predeceased by her parents Bridget and Michael O’Connor, as well as by her brother Michael O’Connor.

Funeral arrangements, under the direction of Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home in Babylon, were well-attended by those who knew and loved Ms. O’Connor.

“My heart soared and was also torn apart when I saw the busloads of her (Atria Bay Shore Senior Living) residents and colleagues attend her viewing,” wrote Pettinos. “Kathleen was by their sides, some for nearly 20 years, and was an extension of their family. She made them feel loved, comfortable and important – all of which helped them have engaged and fulfilling lives. I spoke to many of them and they expressed how much Kathleen had meant to them and helped them in their aging process. It was heartwarming to see their love for her as she had for them.”

A funeral mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church, 700 Albin Ave. in W. Babylon and interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale. In Kathleen’s memory, donations may be made to Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center at: www.alz.org.