Susan Marie O'Connor passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2014 at her home. Born December 23, 1963 in Gt. Barrington, she was the daughter of Marie Priore O'Connor and Denis O'Connor. Sue was educated locally and was a graduate of Mt. Everett Regional High School in Sheffield and also attended Columbia Green College in Hudson, NY, Northwestern College in Winsted, CT, and Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, MA. Sue was passionate and dedicated to her career as a CNA for the past 27 years. She was employed at Kindred at Laurel Lake Assisted Living at the time of her death and had previously worked at Great Barrington Healthcare, Berkshire Children's formerly Berkshire Meadow's and Avalon School. She loved taking her "kids" to McDonald's and shopping. Sue loved hiking, rock climbing, camping and just being outdoors. She liked all animals, birds, fish, sea horses and hedge hogs; she was a true nature lover! She also enjoyed gathering all sorts of rocks, accumulating a large collection over the years. She "panned" for gold and was actually successful in finding several nuggets. Sue had a talent for drawing and recently started again. Aside from her parents, Sue is survived by her son, Jason O'Connor, her beloved granddaughter Emily (Nugget) Rose O'Connor, and a step-daughter Samantha Call. She also leaves three sisters; Catherine Rueger and her husband Bryan of Housatonic, Mary Johnson and her husband James of Florida, Peg Burt and her husband Clint of Sheffield and her two brothers Francis O'Connor of New York and Denis O'Connor and his partner Sari Hoy of Sheffield. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, whom she adored; Michael, Taylor, Catelyn, Derrek, Lauren, Molly, Dominic, Jane (Boo), Vinnie (Monkey), Mandy, and Aly. In addition, Sue also had five step-brothers and sisters; Christine Salzmann-Galante of Brunswick Maine, Diane Storti of Sheffield, Patricia Madow of New Marlborough, Keith Salzmann of Hartsville, and Michael Salzmann of Sheffield. She also leaves her two very special friends Christina Scodary and Kathy Stuart. She was predeceased by her husband Mark Silvernale who passed away on March 9, 2013 and her step-mother Joan, whom she adored. The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at the Sheffield American Legion Hall at 1:00 P.M. Memorial donations in memory of Susan Marie O'Connor may be made to Camp Plymouth, a state park in Ludlow, VT. where Sue and Mark spent many happy times exploring. Donations may be sent to Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, who is in charge of arrangements, at 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. 01230. Sue lived by her favorite word "Ohana". "Ohana" means family and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.
