On October 2, 2016, we lost our beloved matriarch, as Lawlee Liane O’Connor (nee Mitchell) passed from this life to the next. Her departure was so unexpected and she left behind her husband of 60 years, James Brooks O’Connor, her 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous extended family members and friends. Our hearts are broken.
To each of us she has given the gift of life, and on her deathbed she gave each of us a final gift of love and wisdom with her parting messages. Lawlee was the most incredible person. Full of patience and understanding, she had a way of making every member of her family feel special and important.
She was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on May 31, 1939, the daughter of Avis Virginia (Wier) and Clyde Mitchell and had two siblings – Diane and Joseph – all of whom preceded her in death. She moved to Seattle as a young girl, where she met her high school sweetheart, soulmate and life partner, Jim O’Connor. Their love story is one of passion and togetherness, and their 60 years of marriage are a great testament to commitment. Together they have 8 children (listed with their spouses): Jim, Colleen Harris (Mike), Kate Follis (Ched), Brian (Tina), Eileen (Joe Hovsepian), Jon, Liane Mazzella (Kenny), and Kerry (Aaron Eddleman).
Lawlee had a natural, warm and loving nature and truly loved children. Her grandchildren meant the world to her. They are (listed 
with their children): Carissa O’Connor (Araya); Michael Harris (Michael, Jacob, Emma), Christopher Harris, Jeffrey Harris, Kenneth Harris (Aimee, Connor), Jonathan Harris, Timothy Harris, Bethany Harris; Maxx Follis (Sean), Ashleigh Sisneros (Hayden, Clarence, Ezra and soon to be born Ophelia), Tyler Follis; Kristina O’Connor, Brian O’Connor; Andy O’Connor, Erin Green, Abby Jordan; Sarah Mazzella, James Mazzella; and Aria Eddleman.
Lawlee was a gifted doll artist and through this talent touched the lives of many, many people. She was a dancer, guitarist, seamstress, craftsman, entrepreneur, confidante, cheerleader, world traveler. She bandaged our skinned knees and sewed our wedding dresses. She was funny, smart, kind, and gave unconditional love to her family. There aren’t words big enough to describe how much we will miss the presence of this amazing woman in our lives.