The Big Sky Sisters lost one of their most loveable characters on July 17, 2020….
Maureen Elizabeth Connor was born in Helena in 1948 to William and Maryel (Sheehan) Connor. At the time, her mom was a housewife and dad an entrepreneur. She truly felt blessed to have younger brothers Bill and Kevin and later sister Maggie. Being a very curious and social child, quickly dubbed the socialite of Power Street, she dressed up every day and visited whichever neighbors prepared the best cookies, selecting her rounds based on whom made what cookies on which day. This pattern continued throughout her life – always having the right outfit and knowing the right place and time for some great lifetime experiences.
Maureen spent her formative years growing up in Helena, attending St. Helena Grade School and graduating from Helena High School in 1966. During the winter she skied at Belmont and in the summer she could be found swimming beside the family lakeside cabin at Canyon Ferry. When graduated she joined her family who had moved to California. Now a small-town girl in the big city, she worked several jobs including wallpaper sales, and in the hospitality industry.
Maureen met Benjamin Chocolate her life partner who was a storyteller, an artist, and fellow free-spirit. They overcame social barriers as an interracial couple, difficult to navigate even in the time of flower power.
While Maureen’s family returned to Montana in 1970, she remained in the Bay Area. She found her passion for helping and healing by becoming a massage therapist, a profession she studied enthusiastically and in which she worked for the rest of her life. She trained in therapies that became her hallmark as a sought-after massage therapist to her California clients for more than five decades. She refused to raise her prices initially set in the 70s or consider a cancellation fee. Her goal was never to make money, which was a bit difficult for those whose advice she rarely took. She loved her home in Calistoga and the friends and clients she had in the San Francisco area. They loved her too.
Maureen was a great conversationalist, a supporter of public broadcasting, and in tune with all current events, be it politics or social issues. She was a lover of people and always had an entertaining story. With her remarkable memory – and only a touch of embellishment – she recalled stories and events about everyone with great detail. (One she told of herself was how much she loved to ski, and how good she was at the sport. It was true too, if you define skiing as getting a fancy new coat and socializing in the lodge with hot chocolate! Sorry, her family loved to teaser her.) She volunteered at homeless shelters and kitchens. Her report about the day would be of the great people she met, the best soup she ever tasted, and how grateful she was to be there. Likewise, she was the one to organize family reunions from afar and always ready to join friends for the opera or ballet.
Maureen was an avid reader, gardener, movie goer, and an art enthusiast, enough to try painting a bit herself. She collected antiques and had the palate a food critic would envy. She was an explorer, innovator, a free spirit, and a perennial optimist.
Maureen was a wonderful girlfriend to many friends. In turn, these friends (many known as the Big Sky Sisters) were unforgettably giving and kind to Maureen throughout her life, and Maureen’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to those that made Maureen their chosen family.
Maureen’s health and cognition began to decline early in the new millennia. The effects were difficult to detect at first. She never imagined aging or experiencing illness that was silently invading her mind and body; refusing to acknowledge that she could not overcome and draw victory from the jaws of defeat. Her siblings moved her back to Montana in 2018.
When Maureen’s care became too complex for an in-home environment, the staff at Apple Rehab Cooney made the last months of her life as comfortable and warm as possible. For that, the family is extremely grateful. Hospice was absolutely needed and effective. She was separated from her family for a time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Maureen was able to visit with her brother and sister one last time the day before her death. During that time, she was able to hear and respond “I love you” to her siblings. Maureen died on the early morning of July 17, 2020.
Maureen is survived by her brother Kevin (Marilyn) and his children Jenni (Ryan, children Bridger and Hudson) and Jake (Nava, children Lexi, Paetyn, and Caprice); and sister Maggie her children Marina and Sean. Her death was preceded by that of her partner Benjamin, brother Bill, father, mother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and some close friends.
To celebrate Maureen’s life, wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a great big hug, as Maureen instructed at the end of every phone call. Due to the pandemic, there is no gathering planned. Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Maureen.
Peace.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Sue and Curt Chisholm says
Maureen and I have been friends since high school. She was a dear sweet and kind person with a giant personality. She stood out from the crowd with her beautiful red hair, perfect skin and freckles…to know Maureen was to love her! She was funny but also serious “the mother” of our group…she would give you advice or the shirt off her back whether you wanted it or not..She loved her family very much and was there if you needed her…I treasure the many laughs and giggles we shared and consider her friendship as one of the blessings of my life…Heaven has gained another wonderful angel…RIP dear Maureen…with all my love, Sue & Curt
Sue and Curt Chisholm says
Our love and prayers to the whole Connor family…and know we are thinking of you all. with love, Sue and Curt
JV Tangen says
Maureen not only was a high school chum but was also a part of our sisterhood called the Big Sky Sisters. She was an important part of our gatherings that we have done for over 40 year!!. Yes, she did have a big heart and we loved her laughter. Our hearts are hurting right now and broken into a zillion pieces. I think getting the news of her passing yesterday was one of the saddest days of my life. The following are some memories that come to mind that I shared with Maureen.
We loved to cruise the “drag” in high school down main street in Helena ending up in the alley behind “Dorothy’s”. Then we would proceed to get out of her car rolling the garbage cans down the street. How stupid and innocent was that. But we would jump into the car feeling pretty smug and laughing our heads off. Another sweet memory of Maureen was one time when she showed up at my house in high school wearing pink, yes pink patent leather t strap shoes and I, too, was wearing the same shoes. Boy, we though we were styling in high school.
Yesterday I lost a dear dear friend that I am so grateful in this life that our paths crossed. We love you “Big Mama”. Forever in our hearts! JV Tangen
Tom Naegele says
Prayers of Love and Support to our wonderful Connor Family ❤️ Maureen was an awesome awesome woman, Mom and just a loving Friend. You are now in the arms of your Loving Lord. God is with you Dear Connor Family, relatives and many friend’s 👍🙏❤️
Maggi says
Having been a friend and classmate of Billy, how could anyone have not known that one of a kind redhead firecracker, Maureen. Even though she was a year older than us, Maureen ALWAYS went out of her way to treat us kindly and to share much laughter! Although I had not seen her in far too many years, I would see pictures and hear stories from one or two of the Big Sky Sisters after your gatherings. The memories you guys made are even more special now.
My prayers and condolences to the family and her friends now and forever…Cathedral Class of ‘67 never did get over Billy’s too early death and now I will speak for many in that class, Maureen left too soon and will be missed 💔
Maggi McKinnon Corbett
Barb Rudio says
Maureen will forever be in my heart. I met her when I was a junior in high school, and we became fast friends. She had a great sense of humor and always had a story to tell. As part of The Big Sky Sisters, we traveled various places throughout the West. She had us laughing so hard we would cry. I will miss this kind woman forever.
Rest In Peace dear friend.
Linda Ashcraft Hudak says
Maureen was an integral part of our family for the past 37 years, sharing outings, holidays, vacations and many adventures. One of the sweetest remarks she ever made, resonated with our daughters, “Linda, thank you for giving birth to my daughters.” Both girls, Schuyler and Whitney, grew up with you in our home and at our table. Maureen was a connoisseur of quality; she collected fine china, beautiful linens and friends that adored her. We are all heartbroken with the loss in our lives. Kind of spirit, generous of heart, storyteller, healer, faithful friend, loving sister and Aunt, her sense of humor, mischievous nature, love of family and the twinkle in her eye, will live far beyond her physical presence. My heart is with you.
Irene Reynolds says
What a wonderful obituary of Maureen! I was a friend of her brother Billy. But I clearly remember Maureen. Her personality and fabulous hair are unforgettable. My condolences to her family.
Sally Russell and Jim Wilcox says
We are so sorry to hear about your sister. What a beautiful tribute to her. Very nicely written. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless. All the love Jim and Sally
Denny Rickert says
On behalf of my deceased sister, Terry Rickert LaFranchise, I want to acknowledge the passing of my sister’s very good friend throughout her life. I am looking at a photo of Maureen and Sue Chisholm at my sister’s wedding in the Cathedral in 1968. Maureen and Terry were very close and are now catching up in heaven.
Kathy Connors says
Maureen and I were flower girls together at the crowning of the Carroll College May queen at Memorial Park when we were in first grade I believe it was. I had much fun hanging out with Maureen at the west side house in grade school and later at parties at the house at Broadwater. Please accept my condolences at her way too early death.
Stephen Kasperick says
So sorry to hear of Maureen’s passing. I still remember Maureen & Terry Rickert performing tap dance routines when we were classmates at St. Helena’s grade school. She was a good friend & will be missed.
Katrina Bowman says
Maureen was a cheerful bright laughing light and always saw the good in everyone. Rest in peace old friend. You are loved.
Nora C Schaeffer says
I think of Maureen often! I will always cherish her loving arms and brilliant smile! We worked together in Calistoga!! I l loved her stories of Ben and her family! Rest in paradise my friend! Thank you for the life lessons!!