Veronica M. (Roni) Connor

Veronica M. “Roni” (nee Hicks) Connor, age 65, of West Chester, PA. Born November 23, 1956. Died June 23, 2022.

Beloved wife of Francis (Frank) Connor, III; loving mother of Francis (Frank) Connor, IV (Kelsey); devoted grandmother of Francis (Frankie) Connor, V. Survived by sister, Jean Lochner, brother, Thomas Hicks (Barbara), uncle, Samuel Simon (Donna); cherished friends Joan Carapucci (Paul) and Judith Arentzen (Jim) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ronie (as she was then known) was born and raised in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, the second child of Tom and Carole Hicks. She graduated from the John W. Hallahan High School and Community College of Philadelphia, then attended St. Mary’s Hospital School of Medical Science. She worked for many years at Nazareth Hospital and Lankenau Medical Center as a microbiologist. Roni was active in teaching students in clinical laboratory science and worked tirelessly to provide her patients with accurate and timely diagnoses.

On June 25, 1989, she had her first date with Frank Connor, a blind date brunch at the Casa Lupita Mexican restaurant. On October 19, 1991, they married and bought a home in Drexel Hill, PA. In 1993, they had a son, Frank IV, and Ronie stepped back from her career to raise young Frank. She was very active as a volunteer at St. Dorothy School, which Frank attended.

Roni was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer in June 1993. She was a warrior, and survived the most difficult health challenges with resolution and without complaint. After Frank graduated St. Dot’s, they moved to Glen Mills, PA and the Connors remained there until finally settling in West Chester in 2013. Ronie always kept a cozy home, where friends and family always found comfort food, warm fires and genuine hospitality without pretense. She entertained regularly, hosting Thanksgiving feasts for groups as large as 30, family Christmas functions, and the 4th of July.

The Connors owned a condominium in North Wildwood for over 16 years and were seldom without company, especially in the summer season. She was a tea connoisseur and executed many formal English Early Afternoon tea parties to the delight of her family and friends, especially for special occasions like engagements. She was a Certified Master Gardener, an avid quilter and travelled extensively throughout the country and the world, including (among other places) London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Dublin, Nuremberg, Barcelona, Kaiserslautern, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Fatima, as well as California, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Illinois, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and Florida many times. She loved cruising and after Frank IV graduated from Widener University, the Connors would cruise several times a year.

Ronie was the most loyal and fun friend, always there to support, guide and commiserate with her girls, especially her lifelong friends Judy Arentzen and Joan Carapucci. She and her husband truly loved each other, and their life together was a source of joy to the both of them. They celebrated their thirtieth anniversary in October, 2021 and were together for almost 33 years. Roni was thrilled beyond all measure when Frank IV and his wife Kelsey made her a grandmother in January of 2022, when Frank V was born. She commented how her love for him was overwhelming. She will be missed forever by countless people, her devoted husband, her loving family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Attn: Liz, 295 E. Swedesford Road, #396, Wayne, PA 19087. Interment private. Memorial Service at a later date.