Ruth Foran O'Connor

June 23, 1924 - March 20, 2011

Ruth Foran O’Connor, formerly of Cold Spring Harbor, NY, and East Providence, RI, died peacefully at home in Alfred Station, NY, on Sunday, March 20, 2011. She was 86. Ruth was born in New York City on June 23, 1924, the daughter of Pauline Schillinger Foran and William A. Foran. She was a proud graduate of Tollentine High School in the Bronx, NY. Ruth was married on March 27, 1948, to James L. O’Connor, following a career as a paralegal in NYC.

She and Jim moved to Long Island, where they founded O’Connor’s Children’s Shop in Williston Park, NY, and served this community and later Oyster Bay, NY, for over 25 years. Ruth and Jim were avid contract bridge players, and ran the Huntington Bridge Studio in Huntington, NY, for over fifteen years. Together they became Life Masters, and taught many others how to play and love the game. Gardening and golfing were other passions Ruth and Jim shared together. Ruth always joked about the hole in one she made after the third time she played golf. She had no appreciation at this point in her experience of what an achievement this was, and was taken by surprise when the course manager ordered drinks for everyone in the clubhouse to celebrate. Taking after her father who was a vaudeville actor, Ruth loved music, and was a proud member of the Huntington Chorale Society for over ten years.

Ruth is survived by her three beloved children, Jacqueline O’Connor Allen, James O’Connor, Peter O’Connor, and Peter’s wife, Rima O’Connor. She leaves two loving grandchildren and their spouses, Tate and Suzie Allen, and Danielle Foran Allen and Ben Dana, along with her precious great granddaughter, Tegan Danielle Allen.

Ruth was predeceased by her devoted husband of 43 years, James L. O’Connor, and two loving sisters, Leah Mullarkey and Virginia Macfarlane. She also leaves a treasured bevy of nieces and nephews with whom she always found a laugh.

A private service will be held at home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to Blithewold Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, the Huntington Chorale Society, PO Box 349, Huntington, NY 11743, or the Union University Church, 29 North Main Street, Alfred, NY 14802.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Andover, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.baker-swan.com.