SallyAnn O’Connor, 89, of Red Hook

SallyAnn O’Connor, a Red Hook resident since 1957, passed away peacefully in her home late on Wednesday night, Oct. 26, 2016, after a long illness.

Born April 23, 1927, to Hubert and Helen Mott in Mexico, N.Y., she spent her youth in Seneca Falls, N.Y., and Pleasantville, N.Y. She was a graduate of Bowling Green University, receiving her degree in Home Economics and participating in multiple activities, including synchronized swimming. Sally met Patrick Hugh O’Connor while they were both teachers at Hoover High School in Flint, Michigan. While at Hoover, Sally taught Home Economics, coached girls’ basketball and was a class advisor.

They married on June 13, 1953, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Congers, N.Y.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick O’Connor, and her five children, Stephanie (Bob) Drayn of Canandaigua, N.Y., Garret (Ann) O’Connor, of Clermont, N.Y., Christopher O’Connor, of Buxton, Maine, Br. Shawn O’Connor, CFR, of Newburgh, N.Y., and Jane O’Connor, of Red Hook, N.Y., along with her eight grandchildren, Kayley and Kyle O’Connor, Trevor and Kristen Drayn, Jordan, Alison, Ryan and Jack O’Connor. Other surviving family members are sisters Helen Danforth of Hawthorne Woods, Ill., Mary Scull of San Antonio, Texas, and Martha Altobell, of Maple Shade, N.J., and one brother, Frederick Mott of Dover, Del. She was predeceased by her daughter, Jennifer, who was stillborn. Sally was a faithful loving mother and wife. She was an excellent homemaker who seemed to effortlessly run an impeccable home all the while, working full-time and participating in the community and her church. She earnestly supported her children in all their educational, athletic and musical endeavors. Sally worked for 22 years as a Home Economics teacher for the Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck, N.Y., where she was greatly loved by her colleagues and students alike. Upon her retirement, Astor Home created a Student of the Year award in her honor.

She was a faithful communicant of Christ Episcopal Church in Red Hook, where she enthusiastically served on various committees, including outreach fundraisers, cookie walks, international dinners, Apple Blossom Day and Hardscrabble Day. She was active in the Women’s Group and the Alter Guild and was known to “roll up her sleeves and dive in.” She warmly greeted all new parishioners and immediately made them feel like part of the parish family. She served over 30 years on the Vestry Committee, including serving as Treasurer, Vestry Person and Junior Warden. She was cofounder of Country Collections Thrift Shop at Christ Church and volunteered there until retiring due to illness five years ago. Along with her diligent work ethic, generosity and sense of humor, she was appreciated for saying it straight and simple with a loving smile. In other words, you did what Sally said.

On many summer afternoons, Sally could be found lounging poolside and swimming at the Recreational Park of Red Hook (The Red Hook Pool) of which she was a charter member, and was influential in helping the dream of a public pool in Red Hook become a reality. She eagerly cheered on her children and the rest of the Red Hook SeaRaiders at all swim meets. Sally cherished her many friends and enjoyed socializing and hosting dinner and cocktail parties. She was an avid bridge player and member of many clubs.

All who knew her will recall her sly sense of humor and quick wit and will remember her with great love and affection. The family extends their greatest appreciation and gratitude to Hudson Valley Hospice and Kim Rogers, who lovingly and sweetly cared for Sally during the past year of her life. Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burnett & White Funeral Homes in Red Hook, N.Y.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, Red Hook, N.Y. 12571

Memorial donations may be made in Sally’s memory to Christ Episcopal Church, 7423 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y. 12571, or Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601. Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y.

For directions or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.BurnettWhite.com.