Audrey O'connor

Audrey Marie (Poinsatte) O’Connor loved her faith, family, travel, and bridge. She was “une femme formidable” (a formidable woman) and an artistic woman who inspired those around her to strive to achieve more. Surrounded by her beloved family, Audrey departed our world on January 13, 2023, and joined her husband James (Jim), daughter Laurie Russell, and brothers Steve and William (Bill) Poinsette. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Audrey was born on November 3, 1926, to William and Hilda Poinsette in Fort Wayne, IN. As a young girl, Audrey learned how to love animals, especially her pony, and never back down from a challenge. When she was 14 years old, her father requested that she drive a new car to the family-owned car dealership.  Never backing down from a challenge and not afraid of the snow and ice falling from the sky, she not only made it to the dealership without a scratch, she then walked to the library so she could study. 

At the age of 21, she married Jim O’Connor, and they quickly began their life together, building a family, traveling the world, and seeking out everyday adventures around town. They made their home in Fort Wayne, IN, with Audrey taking charge of the homefront, ensuring that things ran smoothly. They were blessed with four children and three dogs.  

Soon the sunny possibilities of Florida would call this midwestern girl to her new home where she could continue to enjoy her favorite sport - golf, zoom about in her red Mazda Miata, and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. We all knew that once she tasted the warm days and nights, she was saying goodbye to the cold midwestern winters for good. 

Audrey enjoyed traversing the world and experiencing new cultures. One of her favorite places to visit was Europe. From Paris to London to the coast of the Mediterranean and the North sea, she explored the continent by land and by sea, sampling the delicious cuisine (who doesn’t love some escargot?), seeing a fantastic show, and exercising her extensive shopping skills.  But she didn’t stop at Europe, she journeyed across the globe, visiting both China in the 1980s and going on an African safari in the 1990s where she got up close and personal with Africa’s greatest treasure - its animals. 

We were blessed to learn many things from Audrey -  notably never to interrupt her bridge games. She was known as a fierce competitor and never was intimidated by a challenge which is why Audrey was a Gold Life Master who traveled the country on her quest to dominate the game and continue to gather valuable “points” as she climbed the ranks. Achieving her Gold Life Master took decades of dedication and something she was immensely proud to accomplish. 

Audrey’s passion and gift for the arts were everpresent in her masterful creations. She was an award-winning quilter, ensuring every child and grandchild had a beautiful quilt to cover their beds. She began by making beautiful hand-quilted pieced quilts and eventually created intricate embroidered quilts. She also enjoyed needlepoint. She used her gift to make all sorts of creations, from Christmas ornaments, Christmas stockings, and decorative pillows to wall hangings and hand-worked needle art. Her beautiful creations will be forever treasured by all. .

Another thing Audrey taught her family was how she liked her drinks. For most of her life, she preferred to drink her Crown Royal on the rocks in a snifter glass with a twist. Yes, everyone knew how to make it properly when serving her. It wasn’t until a few years ago that she discovered the wonder of a good (and strong) margarita. In the afternoons, you could find her seeking out a relaxing place to enjoy her newfound favorite.  

Audrey is survived by daughter Kathy (Bill) Dillhoff; their three children Keith (Dino) Dillhoff, Jim (Jen) Dillhoff, and Ann Marie (Erik) Schousboe; and their grandchildren,  son Mike (Suzy) O’Connor; their two children Amy (David) O’Connor, and Andy (Tiffany) O’Connor and their four grandchildren, and son Jamie (Cheryl) O’Connor and their four children Ryan (Kellye) O’Connor, Michael O’Connor, Kaitlyn O’Connor, Kara Anne O’Connor, and their three grandchildren. She is also survived by her son-in-law Dave Russell and his two children, Dan (Christina) Russell he and Mac (Jenna) Russell, and one grandchild. 

The family will celebrate her life with the Mass of Christian Burial at St William's Catholic Church, Naples, FL, on Thursday, February 9th at 9:45am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity, Avow Hospice or a charity of your choice.