Doris Jean O'Connor Obituary (2025)

Doris Jean Cockrill O'Connor was born in Yakima, at the family home, on S. 8th Street, on September 18, 1928, and died peacefully in her home, on Barge Street, on May 16, 2025, at the age of 96. Born to Leonard Orva and Helen Margaret "Nell" (Moran) Cockrill, she was the fifth, and last surviving, of their eight children. Doris graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1947, where she was involved in theater, choir, served as student body treasurer, and chosen for senior class royalty. She went on to attend Seattle University, where she graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics. She worked in Seattle for several years as a lead dietitian, managing teams, and setting up kitchens at various Seattle hospitals. Doris was always a Yakima girl though, and after a successful professional stint in Seattle she returned to the Yakima Valley to "retire." She said the foothills of the valley felt like a warm secure hug, making her feel safe and loved, the exact type of hug she gave to so many people over the next six decades. In the winter of 1960, Doris went out to Great Falls, Montana, to help her college friend, Polly Quinn, who was expecting her fourth child. It was there that Doris met the love of her life, Charlie O'Connor. Doris married Charlie at St. Paul's Cathedral, in Yakima on July 29, 1961. They created a loving home where the door was always open and everyone felt welcome. Their home became a focal point for extended family gatherings from holidays to birthdays to Saturday morning donut parties. Doris and Charlie had three children, Karen, Molly, and Pat. They had two more children, Mary and Tom, but tragically both died in infancy. In the fall of 1985, they welcomed Phil Tse into their home and Phil has been a part of the family ever since. They were blessed to have nine grandchildren, with six in Yakima and three just on the other side of the Cascade Mountains, in Seattle, plus countless honorary grandchildren, who all knew the Oreo drawer was full and ice cream bars were plentiful. Doris was generous to so many individuals and organizations throughout her life. Like Charlie, her philanthropy focus was on education as a great equalizer. She was an educated investor and supported many people in many ways, from her insistence on lining pockets with "walking around money" to sponsoring outings for large friend gatherings. Golfer, dancer, card player, life-long friend, Doris was competitive, smart and self-assured. She attained her Silver Life Bridge Master title, which she was quite proud of, was a champion at many golf tournaments, and was the first to shout out the right answers during Jeopardy. Her eyes sparkled and although they failed her in her later years, she still managed to play cards on her magnifier screen or with the 2 x 3 feet playing cards that her grandkids bought her. She lived life to the fullest and wanted others to do the same. She encouraged her kids to follow in her footsteps when it came to her love of theatre and travel, and she always insisted they go to every dance. Doris cared for many people besides her four kids. Her mother lived with them for a few years, she housed performers from different arts groups traveling through Yakima, nursed friends back to health, and welcomed kids who were in transition and needed an accepting, safe place to stay. She hosted so many in "the hall of beds" and was happiest when it was full. Doris loved her home. Even with her mobility issues and macular degeneration, she was able to live out her final years safely at home because of her amazing care team who supported her every need. She and the entire extended family are thankful for the caregivers and home-health aides for their support and for maintaining Doris's dignity in her daily life: Chris, Keri, Debi, Stephanie, Phyllis, Devon, Lauren and, of course, Connie. Plus, the Hopebridge Home Health team. Doris is survived by her children, Karen O'Connor (Tony), Molly Martinez (Mike), Pat O'Connor (Patricia) and Phil Tse, her nine grandchildren, Jacob, Lily, Mitchel, Daniel, Moses and Ruby O'Connor, and Colleen, Lucy, and Charlie Martinez; her sisters-in-law, 'Salie Cockrill, Kathleen Hagan and Helen Manaras, along with multiple beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a Vigil and Rosary on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 6:00pm, at St. Paul's Cathedral. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:00am, at St. Paul's Cathedral. In Doris's memory, memorial contributions may be made payable to La Salle High School, Heritage University, or Seattle University and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.