Helen O'Connor

of Capa, South Dakota, died on Monday, July 5, 2004
at the Philip Nursing Home in Philip at the age of 98

Helen Agnes Poler was born February 3, 1906 at Garland, South Dakota, the daughter of Walter and Catherine (McConnville) Poler.

In 1907 the family moved to a homestead fifteen miles north of Capa, South Dakota, where her father was the postmaster at Bunker, South Dakota and her mother taught in rural schools.

Helen attended a rural grade school near Bunker with her three brothers and one sister in Capa. She attended St. Martin’s Academy in Sturgis.

Helen was united in marriage to Henry O’Connor in 1923.

With the exception of a few years near Burlington, Colorado, Helen lived her entire life in Capa. She served as Postmaster for Capa from August 10, 1945 until February 27, 1976.

Helen will always be remembered for her "green thumb" in being able to make plants grow, and of her great love of animals and of Capa.

Grateful for having shared her life include her two sons David O’Connor and his wife Delores of Lake Stevens, Washington and Philip O’Connor of Capa; four grandsons; two granddaughters; four great-granddaughters; eight great-grandsons; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Henry O’Connor in 1946; three brothers Walter, Francis and Patrick Poler; and one sister Mary Walsh Livermore.

Visitation was held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 9, 2004 at St. William’s Catholic Church in Midland, with a rosary and prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at St. William’s Catholic Church in Midland.

Interment was in the Midland Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, July 10, 2004 10:00 a.m.
St. William’s Catholic Church
Midland, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Ron Garry

MUSIC
Organist – Barb Petoske
Vocalist – Barb Jones
"The Supper Of The Lord"
Congregational Hymns
"Amazing Grace"
"How Great Thou Art"

LECTOR
Eleanor Zuccaro

USHERS
Bill O’Connor – Morris Jones

ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Charles Zuccaro – Kandus Woitte
Charles O’Connor – Jerry Nemec
Gary Snook – Mickey Daly

INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Service Details

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, July 10, 2004 10:00 a.m.
St. William’s Catholic Church
Midland, South Dakota