Judy O'Connor, wife of former Pittsburgh mayor Bob O'Connor, dies

Judy O’Connor loved to laugh.

“When I’d come home to take care of her the last few months, we’d almost always listen to one of comedian Jim Gaffigan’s stand-up albums,” said her son, Rev. Terrence O’Connor of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Judy Levine O’Connor, wife of former Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O’Connor and mother to Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, died Friday. She was 79 years old.

O’Connor lived in Pittsburgh all her life, and worked at the Highmark Caring Foundation’s Caring Place. She was a member of the Bob O’Connor Foundation’s board of directors, volunteered for her local Meals on Wheels and at the Mario Lemieux Children’s Home.

“She was very kind, loving and energetic,” Rev. O’Connor said. “She really had a love for the underdog.”

O’Connor grew up in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, in the same house where her parents lived, and where she would raise her children, Heidy O’Connor, Rev. Terrence O’Connor and Corey O’Connor.

“We used to go to Isaly’s in Oakland for ice cream, and the old Manor and Squirrel Hill theaters,” Rev. O’Connor said. “She was the greatest.”

“Our Mom was devoted to her family and friends and her zest for life touched all who were fortunate enough to know her. We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from the people of Pittsburgh during this difficult time,” the family said in a statement.

Visitation hours will be 2-8 p.m. May 6 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the Ralph Schugar Funeral Home, 5509 Centre Ave. in Pittsburgh.