Janet O'Connor

Janet Louise O’Connor of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away December 9, 2023 , in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 89. She was born November 8, 1934, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the daughter of Edwin A. and Iva Lee Neil Sanders. Janet graduated from Sharon High School in Sharon, Massachusetts, and began her career by working for her father at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. She married John William O’Connor on March 23, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. She and John relocated to the Ozarks, where they enjoyed a full life with many friends. After John passed, Janet moved to Tecumseh, Missouri, where she bred Papillons and Keeshonds. However, her favorite dog was her German Shepherd, Ozark. She was involved in improving kennel operations in Missouri and consulted with Purina in the development of dog food formulas. Janet is also well-known for her love of beading and making jewelry.

In 2011, Janet moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas. She became a nighttime house supervisor and full-time volunteer for SPARKS Gamma House. From 2017 to 2023, she served as house director, working diligently with board members and the community to strengthen the services offered at Gamma House.

Janet went out of her way to help people and was sincere in everything she did and said. She was stern, but fair. She genuinely cared about people, and understood the value of time spent with others. Janet was generous and quick with a laugh. She never failed to extend a hand up to whomever asked. She was a lifeline for many people, and a devoted friend of Bill W. Janet was the embodiment of gratitude. She leaves behind a legacy of service to God and her fellows.

Janet is survived by her niece, Amanda Chaplinsky and family of Tarpon Springs, Florida; nephew, Christopher Roberts and family of Rochester, New York; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Deborah S. Roberts.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Janet will be 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with a time of sharing at 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, Mountain Home, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Janet’s name to SPARKS, Gamma House at SPARKS, INC., P.O. Box 1230, Mountain Home, AR, 72654

Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, AR. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com .