Betty Jean Adams O’Connor left this world to be with the Lord on February 14, 2021. She was born in Exeter, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 1924. Due to the outbreak of WWII, she was one of the first women to work for Tiffany & Co. in Manhattan. Betty Jean began her career as a page, sporting a mandatory page boy haircut and wore a powder blue shirt dress. She remained with the company throughout the war and eventually worked her way up to a bookkeeping position.

In 1945, on VJ Day, she married her sweetheart, John “Jack” O’Connor, a marriage that lasted for 61 years ending with Jack’s death. Betty Jean was predeceased by her husband, Jack O’Connor, and eldest son, Monsignor John “Tim” O’Connor in 2013. She is survived by her sons, Bruce, Kenneth, and Kevin. She leaves behind six grandchildren: Matthew, Megan, Michelle, Brittany, Robbie & Jamie and six great-grandchildren.

Betty Jean lived a very full 96-years, she was faithfully devoted to never exercising and made certain that she never ate a vegetable that was not “camouflaged.” She believed the secret to longevity was a vodka tonic in a tall glass with extra ice, every evening. She was devoted to family and friends and loved telling them stories of her long interesting life. When Betty Jean was around laughter and love were always present.

She and Jack moved to Raleigh, NC in 2004, and she quickly became immersed in her new community, becoming famous for large St. Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving gatherings. Everyone was welcome at her table and no one was a stranger.

After celebrating her 90th birthday by leading a congo line in Hawaii, a special place for her, she relocated from Raleigh, N.C. to The Villages, FL to live with her son and daughter-in-law. She was a member of the Doo Wop Club for the past six years and loved listening to her son, Kevin sing Karaoke.

Above all things, she had a never-ending faith in God and an unconditional love for her family. Betty Jean will be laid to rest in Cary, North Carolina with her husband and son.