Elizabeth “Betty” Enkemeier O’Connor
Betty O’Connor, a long time Sebastian resident, passed away August 3, 2017. She was born March 23, 1925 in Wilmington, Delaware, graduated from P.S. DuPont High School and attended Goldey Beacom Business College. Betty worked as a Legal Secretary in law offices and for the Family Court. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald O’Connor, in 1944 while he was serving in the US Navy in the South Pacific. On his return, Betty retired to raise her family of 4 children while Donald pursued a career with the Delaware State Police. When her children were grown, she became a Real Estate Agent and also served on carious committees throughout the Wilmington community.
Betty and Donald retired to Sebastian in 1974 and enjoyed many years of golfing, boating and traveling extensively at home and abroad. She found time to volunteer as an aide at SRMC and volunteer at the North Indian River County Library, but always found time for her family and church.
All her life, Betty was involved in music and dancing, starting with lessons at age 5. She played in her junior high and high school band and orchestra, and even met her husband at a high school dance. She also loved sports in school, playing on hockey, basketball and swim teams. She enjoyed playing the piano all her life and later found pleasure in playing the organ and hand-bells. After her husband’s death Betty discovered ballroom dancing and continued to dance until age 90. Betty loved adventure, sky-diving at age 75 and later para-sailing and zip-lining. She treasured every experience.
Her husband Donald predeceased her in 2001. She is survived by her daughter Eileen and son-in-law Harry Derrick of Sebastian, her daughter Jody Dancer, widow of Stanley Dancer, of Pompano Beach, and daughter Christine O’Connor, also of Sebastian. Her son James predeceased her in 1980. Also surviving her are grandchildren Larry (Rose) Derrick, and Caroline (Steve) Knapp. Betty also had 3 great-grandsons: James Derrick, Shaun Knapp and Kyle Knapp.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Brookdale South ALF and her VNA Hospice team for their compassionate care during her final months.
In lieu of flowers, Betty suggested donations to her Friendship Christian Community Church or to the Friends of the North Indian River County Library, P.O. Box 781313, Sebastian, FL 32978.
A Memorial Service will be held on August 11, 2017 at 10:00 am at the Friendship Christian Community Church at 611 Schumann Drive in Sebastian with a reception immediately following the service.
For directions and online guestbook please visit www.seawindsfh.com. Seawinds Funeral Home is honored to serve the O'Connor family.
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