Beryl O'Connor
October 4, 1942 ~ April 7, 2021
Beryl Ann O'Connor, 78, of Lisbon, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at home following a lengthy illness. Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Monday, April, 12, 2021, at the Lisbon United Methodist Church, by Bob Brus. Visitation: 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Burial: Lisbon Cemetery, Lisbon.
Facemasks and social distancing will be required at both the funeral home and church.
Survivors include her children, LuAnn Yarbrough, Debbie Nelson, Michael (Julie) O'Connor, and Douglas O'Connor; grandchildren, Sara (Chris) Goodwin, Eric Yarbrough, Zachary O'Connor, Kyle (Megan) O'Connor, Tashsa (Eric) Pape, Wyatt O'Connor (Caroline Groesbeck), Dakota O'Connor, Logan O'Connor, and Broc Nelson, and Chan and Riley Dolan; great grandchildren, Corbin, Carter, Isabella, Mason, Oliver, and Cohen; and beloved dog, Buddy.
She is also survived by her siblings, Carolyn (Ron) Shipman, Mary (Tom) Whittemore, Judy Arruda, and Todd Rejsa; many in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends.
Beryl Ann Rejsa was born October 4, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, to Chester and Charlene (Canady) Rejsa. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1960. Beryl met Carl O'Connor when a friend arranged for Carl to give them a ride home in his new (paid for) car. They were married August 20, 1960, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Beryl was well-known and active community member in Lisbon. She was highly involved in city matters, improving the Lisbon community, and served as Mayor for 8 years. Beryl was instrumental in many changes to Lisbon, including the History Center. She inspired her sons, Michael and Doug to become mayor of their communities. She also created ceramics and began selling them at her ceramics store. Beryl worked at Rockwell Collins for over 30 years as an assembly operator, retiring in 2004.
Beryl enjoyed researching the family genealogy and ancestry, and going on family vacations, especially fishing and staying at the cabin. She also enjoyed attending her children's and grandchildren's events. She was a great woman, a cherished wife, and a beloved mother. Beryl lived a long and happy life, had immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and community, and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her father, Chester; mother, Charlene; and step-father, Clyde Williams; husband of nearly 60 years, Carl; grandson, Adam O'Connor; and son-in-law, Jeff Nelson.
In honor of Beryl, please consider contributing to the much-needed planting of trees in our community.
The family wishes to thank Above & Beyond Hospice and Dr. Ben Daniels for their outstanding care of Beryl and her family.
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With our deepest sympathy
Sorry to hear of Beryl’s passing. I grew up with her and her siblings. They lived 4 or 5 houses from me on 28th Ave. SW. I will always remember all the good times we, the neighborhood kids, had playing softball in the lot next door to them. In later years, I worked with Beryl at Rockwell in Coralville. Thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends. May she RIP.
My earliest memories of Beryl were playing at her house on Hinkley NW in Cedar Rapids during our preschool years. Because Beryl and I were the same age and my mother Helen and Auntie Chuck (Charlene) were close sisters, I was fortunate to be a playmate with Beryl through elementary and junior high. I recall we used to go to Chandler’s Grocery on 15th St. NW after school for penny candy or ice cream instead of coming “straight home” as instructed. Our families including Grandma Canaday (Edna) would be together on numerous weekends and especially the fall picnic when our families exchanged names for the Christmas party including Aunt Pauline, Uncle Tubby, Carol and Barb. Occasionally, Uncle Harry, living in Long Island NY, would drop in. After high school, we seldom saw each other, but I would hear about “Her Honor”, The Mayor of Lisbon, which made me proud to have known Beryl. So sorry for all of our loss. Ray Krippner
I remember spending many an evening at Gwen’s planning Lisbon SauerKraut activities with Beryl. What wonderful giving lady! Ihave many fond memories of her!!
Sending condolences to the family,worked with Beryl in Coralville Rockwell
With loving memories of “Beryl O’Connor”,
Beryl was truly one of a kind. She will be missed. Hugs to everyone.
It has been many years since I have talked or seen any of you, but want to express my sympathy in your loss of Beryl. I remember her being a go-getter like her wonderful Mom. I also remember how she and Carl helped Clyde with so many things. Bless their memories. May you sense the comfort of the Lord these days. Much love, Marcia (Williams) Hendrickson