Karen Ann (Fleming) OʼConnor of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, passed away on Aug. 11, 2014, surrounded by her family after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She was born the daughter of Thomas and Ann (McShane) Fleming on Jan. 25, 1941, in Canton, Ohio.

She is survived by her husband of 49 plus years, Colonel William OʼConnor (USAF, ret); son, Matthew of Los Gatos, California, and his wife Catherine and daughters Isabella and Brigid; son, Patrick of Edmond, Oklahoma, and his wife Heather and daughters Kira and Brynne; and daughter, Elizabeth Tolar and her husband Thomas and children Sarah and William of San Antonio, Texas. Other relatives are her brother James, his wife Theresa, and their family from Canton, Ohio; brother, Thomas and his wife Theresa, and their children of Canton, Ohio; brother Monsignor Terrance Fleming of Los Angeles, California; and Christine Fleming, widow of her brother John, and their children of Portola Valley, California.

Karen's life was one of friendship and sincere caring for others. Those who remember Karen know, Karen never met a stranger that she didn't like! Karen was noted for her friendliness and engaging personality. Outsiders were constantly drawn into Karen's ever broadening circle of friends. Karen's friends talk about waiting in line with her on one of her trips while Karen struck up a conversation with other travelers. Karen was a wonderful person and her engaging smile made everyone she met feel her warmth and sincere interest in them. Soon, "former strangers" were part of Karen's circle - sharing a laugh or a story! Each time they would meet again on the trip, the "new friends" were drawn to Karen again.

Karen graduated from the University of Dayton where she met her future husband, Bill. She recently celebrated her 50th class reunion, although Karen often met with her former college "girlfriends" to reminisce about their college antics. Teaching children was an important part of Karen's life. She received her additional teaching certifications from Texas State University. Professionally, Karen was a devoted teacher who specialized in early childhood development. Former pupils continually told her of the privilege of being in her class and remarked about her impact on them as they left for college and beyond.

Karen's grandchildren called her "Mimi." They were drawn to her just like many others were throughout her life. They had this to say just days ago: "Mimi was very caring, loving, and thoughtful. She made everyone feel special. She taught us to always care about others."

Karen was an active member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, serving on the ACTS core team and supporting many women through their retreats and beyond and numerous other ministries over the years.

Perhaps the most fitting summary of Karen's life can be found in her last few years during her illness. Karen spent over 3 years undergoing chemotherapy at the START Center. There she befriended all the staff and other patients. Her treatments were quite painful but none were efficacious, yet she endured them saying, "It may not work for me, but it may help someone."

There will be a visitation at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Boerne, Texas, on Monday, August 18, 2014, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with Recitation of Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Karenʼs life will be celebrated at a Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at St. Peter's. The celebrants will be her brother Monsignor Terry Fleming, Fr. Tony Cummins and Fr. Norman Ermis. A private burial service will be held at a later date. To leave condolences, visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select the Obituaries tab. No flowers please. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Peterʼs Building Fund in Honor of Karen O'Connor by mail 202 W. Kronkosky Street, Boerne, Texas 78006 or online stpetersboerne.weshareonline.org or to the START Center for Cancer Care Thrive Well Cancer Foundation by phone (210) 593-5949 by mail to Thrivewell Cancer Foundation PO Box 29331, San Antonio, Texas 78229, or online www.thrivewell.org.

Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.