Charlotte "Char" O'Connor

Charlotte (Char) O’Connor, 78, of (Lake Camelot), Mapleton, Illinois passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. She was the oldest of four children born to Frank and Julia Tezak in 1947 in Joliet, IL. She is preceded in death by her siblings; Beverly (Terry) Briese, James (Patricia) Tezak, and Thomas Tezak, and survived by her sister-in-law Pamela.

She attended Joliet Junior College and graduated from Silver Cross School of X-ray Technology. She worked for Associated Radiologist in Joliet, IL. She moved to Glasford, IL with her husband Patrick M. O’Connor Sr. in 1970. He was the love of her life, and they were married 42 years before he died in 2011.

Together they raised three beloved sons: Patrick Jr. (Keri), Shawn, and Casey (Angela) O’Connor all residing in Lake Camelot. They were blessed with seven grandchildren; Bailey, Zachary, Braiden, Griffin, Ian, Delaney, and Kelsey and one great grandchild, Myloh O’Connor. They were the light of her life.

Char worked at Illini Bluffs High School and taught swimming in Glasford for 12 years. She was a certified WSI instructor through the American Red Cross. She refereed girls IHSA volleyball and softball for 12 years. She worked for Dr. John Sheen, psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Human Service Center in Peoria, IL. She then worked for Snelling Personnel Services as an executive recruiter for 16 years, achieving top performance awards for 14 of those years.

Char cherished her friends and the community of Lake Camelot, where she lived for 37 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, swimming, crafts, and playing card and board games with her grandchildren. She was a life-time loyal Cubs fan.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cards can be sent from and condolences left at illinicremation.com