Janet O'Connor

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Janet Hansen O’Connor passed peacefully at the age of 84. There will be a Visitation at St. Therese Little Flower Parish, 5814 Euclid Ave, Kansas City, MO, on Sunday, June 29th from 4:00-6:00pm with the Rosary prayed at 5:45pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 3106 Flora Ave, Kansas City, MO, on Monday, June 30th beginning at 8:30am, with Interment immediately following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Janet was born in 1941 in Kansas City, MO, the only child of Theodore Hansen and Helen Meaney Hansen. She spent most of her life in Kansas City attending St. Theresa Little Flower Elementary School, Loretto Academy, and graduating from the College of St. Teresa (now Avila University) in 1962.

Janet, affectionately known as “GJ” taught at Christ the King and Red Bridge Elementary Schools. On June 6th, 1964, Janet married her best friend, John O’Connor III. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of love, laughter and faith raising their three children: Anne Brauner (Jeff) and sons John (Kelly) and Brian (Tammi) along with 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Janet was an active member of St Catherine of Sienna parish for over 40 years. She cherished her work in the youth and RCIA programs and served as a lector and eucharist ministry. She fondly remembered her days leading TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) weekend retreats with friends that led to lifetime relationships.

Later in life, she joined hospice as a chaplain and volunteered at St. Catherine’s, assisting families prepare for funeral liturgies of their loved one and facilitated a bereavement group. She felt this was a life-giving ministry as well as a calling for her. Janet loved people and every stranger she met soon became a friend. She loved reading (she was part of a wonderful book club of dear friends), exercising at the Y, music, college and high school friend groups, taking long walks with Pops around the neighborhood and a glass of wine on the back deck. She cherished her time with every grandchild and felt it was her job to make sure they stayed humble. She was the quintessential mom - den mother, picture lady, and school board member. A friend of the family fondly called her “Mrs. Brady” – but unfortunately no Alice so she was left to do the heavy lifting. She turned away light beer and preferred a heavy Guinness or Stout or Manhattan– the sign of a sturdy woman. The answer to every ache or issue – “take an Advil.” And she didn’t need to say a word when she disapproved, she had a way of taking a deep breath creating the “GJ Flair,” something the grandkids had fun trying to replicate.

Years down the road, Janet was blessed to find love again and enjoyed a short but sweet marriage to John Walker, who brought back her sweet giggle and gave her companionship when she needed it most. Janet’s presence in this world made it kinder, funnier, and more grounded. A kind and honest mother, wife and friend – she will be dearly missed.

A big thank you to the staff at St. Anthony’s Senior Living and Catholic Community Health for their kindness and support of our mom.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church or The Consoling Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Order of Janet's granddaughter).