GENEVIEVE EILEEN (CONNOR) O’LAUGHLIN
Genevieve Eileen Connor O’Laughlin began her non-traditional life in a non-traditional way. She entered this world on Valentine’s Day, 1927. She was born on the dining room table at 3311 Jefferson, Kansas City, MO. Genny was the fifth of eight children born to Arthur and Ruby Connor. She was always fiercely independent. As a child, she was the one her mother would send to the store “to return the rotten onions”, perhaps because she was known to stand her ground. She attended Redemptorist Catholic School. She met George O’Laughlin at a Valentines Day dance in 1943. She developed an instant fancy for this red-haired Rockhurst boy. She was thrilled when, several weeks later, he called to see if she had a date to the prom. When she told him that she did not, he said, “Great! My friend George Ryder doesn’t have a date, so I was wondering if you would go with him!” Genny DID go and had a lovely time.At the age of 20, Genny moved to Florida with some girlfriends. They found jobs and lived there for about a year. Upon her return, she decided to pay a visit to her old friend, George O’Laughlin. She knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist the tanned, blonde beauty she’d become. Genny was a flight attendant (stewardess!) for TWA. This job fulfilled her love of adventure and her love of people. She flew with them until she married George in 1952. She began a new career as a mother, the following year, with the birth of Rita Anne. Eight years later, with the births of Martin Pius, Brian Michael, Susan Connor, and Jean Clare, her family was complete.Though only high school educated, Genny was a voracious learner. She never shied away from a new adventure or challenge. She was a member of bowling teams, stock clubs, bridge clubs, Friends of Jung, Mothers’ clubs, Spanish club, Thomas More Book Club, just to name some. As an adult, Genny started taking Spanish language classes. She found she had a love of the language and the people. This love led her to earn a bachelor ‘s degree in Spanish from UMKC, at the age of 64. Throughout her life, she was a model of love and acceptance. In addition to mothering her own five children, she became known in her house as “Mother of the World”. When her father in law became widowed in 1955, Genny insisted that he move in where he lived until his death in 1977. She always had a deep concern for the well being of those around her. In 1984, she travelled to the Dominican Republic with Creighton University’s Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC). She served as an interpreter for the health care students and professionals running the clinic there. She loved her children (now numbering 10 including her sons and daughters in law), but she LOVED her grandchildren. Genny had 15 grandchildren and visiting them was one of her favorite past times.Genny lived her life with gusto, a deep faith, and a sense of humor that never left her. Those who knew her were enriched by her. She will be deeply missed.
O’LAUGHLIN Genevieve Eileen (Connor) O’Laughlin, 85, peacefully passed away Saturday, Aug. 18 at Santa Marta, Olathe, KS. Daughter of Arthur and Ruby Connor, Mother of Martin (Jennifer), Brian (Mimi), Rita (David) Durant, Sue (Bob) Kelly and Jean (David) Chesney. Genny leaves 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandsons. Mass of the Resurrection will be at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Therese Little Flower Emergency Assistance Fund, 5814 Euclid Ave., KC, MO 64130. Arrangements by Funeral Advocates through Signature Funerals.
