Gurie Helen O'Connor

Gurie Helen O’Connor passed away on Feb. 18, 2015, in Astoria, at age 92. She was born in a sod hut in Forks, Mont., on April 14, 1922, to Martin and Ragnhild Halvorson, who had immigrated to the U.S. from Norway and homesteaded there. They raised cattle and grew wheat on their ranch, and were soon able to build a frame house for their family, which included Gurie and her two sisters and five brothers. All the children attended a one-room school; Gurie’s high school graduating class had five students.

Gurie attended Northern Montana College for one year, and then went back home to teach in that one-room school. By that time there were only three students, one each in grades six, seven and eight. Teaching was not her calling, though, and in August 1943 she joined the WAVES, working in communications during World War II in teletype rooms, which she always said she could hardly stand because of the noise.

She was stationed for a while in Astoria where she met her husband, James E. O’Connor, who was on leave from the Air Force, visiting his brother in the area. When she was discharged in 1946 Gurie stayed in Astoria, working first at Adelaine Sather’s needlework shop, then at a mill grading lumber, and finally at Pacific NW Bell as a telephone operator. Jim was also discharged in 1946, and returned to Astoria to begin working at the Tongue Point Naval Station. They were married on May 28, 1947, at First Lutheran Church.

Jim and Gurie had four children, and Gurie was an at-home mother until 1968. At that time she began working in the Abundant Foods Office which was part of the county Veterans Service Office. In time she became the county Veterans Service officer, retiring in 1985. Throughout the rest of her life people stopped her to thank her for the assistance she had given them in that role.

Gurie was one of those people who make things happen. In her neighborhood (Jeffers Gardens), she started knitting and sewing clubs for the neighborhood women, and multiple 4-H clubs for the neighborhood children. In 1982, she and three of her friends who had served in the armed forces in World War II started meeting together regularly. Over time, the group grew considerably, is now known as the Pacific Northwest Lady Veterans, and includes women of all ages, from all branches of the service.

She was a very active member of the Daughters of Norway, and loved the Scandinavian Festival, particularly the Finnish breakfast. She worked hard to become proficient in two Norwegian crafts, rosemaling and hardanger, and she made dozens of quilts for others over the years. In addition, she remained a member of First Lutheran Church from the time she was married, was an active member of Toastmasters for many years, and gave hundreds of volunteer hours to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Gurie participated wholeheartedly and generously in all these groups.

Gurie cherished her family and friends. She was beloved by all of them because she genuinely celebrated each person’s successes, was able to comfort each person in times of sadness or disappointment, and offered encouragement continuously. In short, she was a rare gem. Her empathy and love enhanced the lives of all those around her, and she will be profoundly missed. It was a great privilege to have known her.

Gurie was preceded in death by her husband, James E. O’Connor, and her son, Edwin C. O’Connor. She is survived by her sons, Tim and Dennis O’Connor; her daughter, Kathleen O’Connor; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

A service for Gurie will be held at First Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at 2 p.m., with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Columbia River Maritime Museum.