Michelle O'Connor

Michelle M. "Mickey" O'Connor, age 68 of Hastings, died Monday, August 25, 2008 at her home. Mickey was born August 29, 1939 in Grand Forks, ND, the daughter of Frank and Alice (Greer) Hyland. She was raised in Hastings and was a 1957 graduate of the Hastings High School. On June 10, 1961, she married Jim O�Connor, her high school sweetheart, best friend and travel partner. She saw a great deal of the world, primarily riding behind Jim on his motorcycles. Although she was a property manager for several years, she actively showed her love for others through her volunteering activities. One of her life�s passions was helping people with breast cancer. She was a founding member of the Hastings Breast Cancer Support Group and was involved with several local as well as national breast cancer prevention and support groups. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, Meals-on-Wheels, Hospice, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hastings Jaycees and several other people-focused organizations. Most important to Mickey was spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by son Patrick (Kathleen) O�Connor of Hastings, daughter Maureen (Don) Budach of Hastings, and son Michael (Tara) O�Connor of Rochester; grandchildren Stephen, Alice, Judd, Shannon, Alex, Grace, and Sam; her sister Kathryn (Jim) O�Connor of New Hampton, IA and brother Steve (Sarah) Hyland of St. Paul. Gone before her was her best friend and husband Jim. His �hell of a good run� ended in 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Mickey's visitation will be held from 4 to 8pm Thursday, August 28, at her home, 110 River St. in Hastings. A visitation will also be held at the church one hour before the funeral, which will be held at 10am Friday, August 29, 2008 at the ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2035 W. 15th St. in Hastings. Memorials are preferred to the Hastings Breast Cancer Support Group and may be mailed c/o the Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home @ 201 East 7th Street; Hastings, MN 55033