Patricia Anne Connors

On January 4, 2015, Patricia A. Connors (ne Blihar) of New City, New York (formerly of Bayonne) passed away surrounded by her family. The only child of Frank and Gilda Blihar, Pat was a graduate of #3 School and Bayonne High School where she was Vice President of the senior class and President of the Glee Club. She worked at Bayonne Library for several years and in 1964, Pat graduated from Jersey City State College and began teaching. For the majority of her 25 year career, Pat taught at Catholic schools in Bayonne and Jersey City. She loved teaching, particularly Literature and Grammar, and adored her students. She was married to Brian Connors for 50 years, and together they had four children and six grandchildren who were devoted to her and blessed by her love, strength, kindness, and wisdom. Pat was a wonderful cook, a talented seamstress and the world's best listener. She made everyone feel like a friend and will be remembered for her good nature, her fantastic sense of humor and her legendary Christmas parties. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother, and Pat was at her best reading her grandchildren stories, coloring with them, and singing them to sleep. She is survived by her husband, Brian, her children and their spouses - Patrick and Coleen Connors; Elizabeth Connors and Steven Garabed; Suzanne and Jose Franco; and Laurie Connors and Chris Maccarini and her six grandchildren - Tara and Mary Kate Connors, Cole and Aidan Garabed, and Maia and Marcus Franco. She is also survived by several cousins including Judith Valente. Pat's children would like to thank Calvary Hospice and the staff of Sunrise New City for their loving and compassionate care of their Mom. It was always clear that she was in the best place, getting the best care. They would also like to thank Jazzel Yaneza and Cleo Maynes who took wonderful care of their Mom at home. A special thanks to the Connors cousins who supported the family over the past few months. Funeral Friday 10 AM at the Caiola-Stellato Funeral Home, 691 Avenue C, Bayonne. Funeral Mass 11 AM Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Private cremation. Friends will be received Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's name to Calvary Hospice, 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx NY 10461 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 would be appreciated. Pat would also love an act of kindness to be done in her honor.