Janet Jean O’Connor
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Janet J. (Jensen) O’Connor was born in Minden, Nebraska on August 12, 1941 to Glenville (“Dynie”) Wayne Jensen and Lily Marian (Christensen) Jensen. She attended the Minden Pubic Schools, graduating in 1959. She then received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a Master’s degree and postgraduate work at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
She taught school in Columbus and Milford, NE and in Waco, Texas. She then met and married Roger Blakeslee O’Connor. After several years of doing public relationship work, she joined Roger in his out-of-print bookstore in Pittsburg, KS. Roger passed away on October 5, 2006.
She is survived by two daughters: Shannon Elizabeth (Cortney Buffington) and Kristin Kathleen; three grandchildren: Hannah Gabrielle Vanderpool, Blakeslee Alan Poznich, and MacKenzie Greer Buffington; and a brother Russell Wayne Jensen (Dorothy Kroll), one niece and two nephews.
A celebration of her life will be on Saturday September 10 at 1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lawrence with Pastor Ted Mosher presiding. A reception then follows at Kaw Valley Bridge Center, 125 N. 3rd.
Memorials may be made to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Kaw Valley Bridge Club or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and may be sent to Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Remembering Jan and Roger with affection and regret. Amazing interesting friends.
Tom and Jane Walther
What a joyous, shining presence Jan was! I remember time spent with her in Mostly Books– a wonderful haven from the cares of the world. Jan made me feel better every time I went there–her smile was sunshine. Kristin and Shannon, our thoughts are with you. We are so sorry. –Jo McDougall
I enjoyed knowing Jan and Roger when they operated Mostly Books and I worked at Gutteridge Pharmacy (later The Medicine Shoppe). Jan would always help me find just the right book for myself or for a gift. I am very sorry to hear of Jan’s passing and I send my deepest sympathy.
John Gladson
We learned of your mother’s death while we are on vacation. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jan has been a very special friend to us and we feel bad that we are out of town during her funeral service. We will miss her presence in our lives.
Steve and Connie Dresbach
Thinking of you during this time of sorrow. Our thoughts are with you Russ & Dorothy. Let these thoughts help you Shannon and Kristin get through this tough time. Your mother was wonderful lady.
During such grievous times words seem to be of little comfort. Our Heavenly Father who created us has the desire and the ability to undo the effects of death. At Hosea 13:14 God promises to empty the grave of our loved ones from death. Our tears of pain will be replaced with tears of joy! My hope is that God will strengthen you and give your family and friends a measure of comfort and peace until his promise is realized.
You have my sympathy. Jan was always a charming person with a great sense of humor. I treasure the memories of the books stores in Omaha, Carthage and Pittsburg. If there is a heaven Jan, Roger and Gene are talking somewhere in a book store.