O'CONNOR, Arlene Joan

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona April 2012 Arlene Joan O'Connor, 78, of Phoenix (Ahwatukee) died peacefully on Tuesday 17 April 2012 at Chandler Regional Hospital. She was born to the late Jacob Smith and Helen Bartkowiak, May 1, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Arlene graduated from West Division High School in Milwaukee in 1952. She married Reginald Everard O'Connor on 16 October 1954 and they lived together in Milwaukee, Norfolk, St. Petersburg and Oklahoma City before becoming long-time residents of Phoenix for approximately 40 years. Arlene especially loved animals and played an active role in animal rescue. An avid tennis player, she was well known and recognized at the Kiwanis and Ahwatukee Tennis Clubs. In earlier years, Arlene was active in the Cub Scouts and was a Den Mother in St. Petersburg. Arlene was also an active member of the Military Officers Association (MOA). She loved to travel, and especially wanted to be on or around the water. Arlene is survived by her husband Reginald and her three children: Michael O'Connor (Blanca) of El Paso, Daniel O'Connor (Tammy) of Phoenix and Kathy Torbert of Phoenix. She is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A private service will be held among family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the SPCA.