Obituary of Eleanor T. O'Connor

Eleanor T. (LaManche) O'Connor 97, of Syracuse passed away at home on March 10, 2024. 

Always a firecracker "Ellie" was born on July 4, 1926 to Leonard and Ella (Stark) LaManche. A lifelong resident of Syracuse, Ellie attended Porter School and graduated from Central High School. 

Ellie began her working career at New York Telephone. After several years at home with her children and community involvement, Ellie worked at Porter Cable/Rockwell International, and eventually retired from R.E. Dietz. Ellie was active in the West End Republican Committee and worked on many political campaigns in addition to being an election Poll worker well into her 80's.  She was an avid and outstanding bowler well into her 90’s, enjoyed yoga, and was capable of doing downward dog better than all of her grandchildren.  Ellie was an active participant at Magnarelli-McChesney Senior Center, St. Daniel's Wisdom Group, St. Lucy’s Ladies Guild and The Syracuse Elks 31. Ellie enjoyed a good party, dancing, and her travels to Canada, England, Germany, and France.

Ellie is predeceased by her parents, sisters, Francis Anderson, Helen Bjorklund, Virginia LaManche, brothers, Col. Philip, Leonard, and George LaManche, granddaughter, Erin Rowley, son-in-law, Gary Bradley, and her former husband, John Michael O'Connor II.

Ellie is survived by her children, Kathleen Bradley, John Michael “Pete” (Mary Jane), Timothy (Patty), Sheila, Vincent (Eileen), Dennis, and Patrick (Amy) O’Connor, and sister, Rose Marie McArdle. Ellie was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, a plethora of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Special thanks to Maggie Provost for assisting in Ellie’s care. 

Calling hours will be held on March 18, 2024 at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Elks Services at 7:00pm. A celebration of Ellie’s life will be held on March 19, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Church 216 N. Lowell Ave at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellie’s memory may be made to Huntington Family Center, 405 Gifford St. 13204, The St. Patrick’s Hunger Project, PO Box 11775, Syracuse NY 13218, or Family Tapestry, Inc PO BOX 402 Syracuse NY 13211.

Slainte'