Phyllis Marie (Newsome) O’Connor, age 95, passed away in her sleep on April 4th, 2023 at Maple Ridge Care Center.

Phyllis was born in Superior, WI on August 2, 1927 to William and Esther (Lidberg) Newsome. Growing up in Wascott Wisconsin, she attended elementary school in Gordon, WI and graduated from Northwood High School in 1945. She continued her education at St. Luke’s Cadet Nurses training in Duluth MN, graduating 1948.

Phyllis worked as a nurse for more than 50 years in hospital settings that included Spooner Hospital as Director of Nursing, St. Paul Ramsey Emergency Hospital, Milwaukee emergency Center. Phyllis was married to Arnold (Bud) Richardson from 1951-1956. Though this relationship was not permanent, they had three children together. In 1972 Phyllis was married to William (Bill) O’Conner.

Phyllis was a strong, amazing woman and will be missed by many. She lived a full life and enjoyed many things. She retired to her family homestead in Wascott, WI, where she became an active member of her communities in both Wascott and Gordon, WI. Phyllis was a member of the Lockman-Jensen American Legion Auxiliary Unit #499. She became a member in 1955 and she served the Unit as President 1997-1999 and Treasurer. She was also a member of the Gordon Presbyterian Church and the Wascott Community Club.

Phyllis was a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, mentor and friend. She loved a good crime novel, playing cards, watching the birds and deer feed from her living room window, and never missed an episode of Law & Order. She enjoyed travel (especially Colorado), a good deal at Yonkers and was an expert at the “peppermint twist.”

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents, Esther and Bill Newsome, and brother Maxwell Newsome.

She is survived by daughters Christine and Linda Richardson, son, William Richardson, grandchildren Christopher Colegrove, Cari Colegrove, Sarah Upton, Phillip Norvold and Sylvester Richardson. She was also great grandmother to Tristan Gorud, Jaxson Norvold, Jaidyn Norvold, Penelope Upton, and Phoebe Upton.

In a beautiful full circle moment, Phyllis ended her days in the same facility where for many years she served as head nurse.

A celebration of Phyllis’ life will take place this summer at a time to be determined.

Last Update: May 09, 2023 10:15 am CDT