Obituary of Diane Elizabeth O'Connor

Diane Elizabeth O'Connor, age 63, found peace after a determined 12 year battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurological disease. She leaves behind a loving life partner of 40 years, Carol Leudesdorf and their two sons, Timothy and Robert O'Connor. She will be greatly missed by her sister Debbie, brother Billy, nieces Meighan and Chelsea, and nephew Peter Callahan and brothers- in-law Sean Callahan and Robert Leudesdorf and his wife Olga. Also, sad to bid Diane farewell are her close cousins the Rev. Dr. Ann Hagmann, Keating and Ann Hagmann, Julia Fuqua, Leo Morrison, Georgeann and Johnny Naughton, and long time close friend, Ken Nesdale. She leaves behind many other relatives, close friends, and business associates. Diane was pre-deceased by her parents, Dorothy, nee Campbell and William P. O'Connor, Jr. Diane, fondly named "Doc," spent her entire career at the publishing firm W.W. Norton & Company, Inc in NYC. Hired as a production trainee in 1971, Diane completed her Norton career 36 years later as Vice President and Director of Manufacturing. In those decades, she oversaw the production of books on diverse topics from sailing to statistics, and most notably, on Norton's distinguished college English list, best known for the Norton Anthologies. Diane's dedication to Norton, her delight in making beautiful books, and her collegiality and humor made her a beloved colleague. Diane grew up in Larchmont, N.Y. and attended the School of the Holy Child, in Rye. She was a graduate of both Mount Vernon College, in Washington, D.C. and Iona College, in New Rochelle. She received an MBA from Baruch College in NYC. Diane was a member of St Luke's in the Field Parish in NYC and St. Thomas Episcopal Parish in Mamaroneck. Diane loved to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and to snorkel in Virgin Gorda but one of her greatest pleasures in life was to putter and garden while spending time with her family and friends at their cottage in Orient, L.I. Diane was an avid athlete pursuing sailing, biking, and swimming. She was a nationally ranked squash player when MSA first appeared. Diane maintained an active social life throughout her illness and fought very hard to counteract the effects of this devastating disease. Her generosity, honesty and outspoken manner, as well as her indomitable spirit, have been an inspiration to all. Her family wishes to express its sincere thanks to Diane's aides, Rufena, Vivia, and Wanda, in alphabetical order, for the dedicated and loving care they provided throughout the final year of Diane's illness. Visitation will be Friday, March 2, 2-4 and 7-9 PM Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, at 11am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 168 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543.