Helen "Pearl" O'Connor, 98, a resident of St. Luke's Home, New Hartford, formerly of Yorkville, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the nursing home. Helen was known to her family as Louise, and by her friends, affectionately called "Pearl". She was born in Sauquoit, NY on December 4, 1912, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Smith) Reilly. Pearl was raised in Sauquoit and a graduate of Sauquoit High School, and went on to obtain her nursing degree in New York City. She came back to the area and was employed as a RN with Faxton Hospital in Utica. She later went to work for the NY Central Railroad, from where she retired. On December 14, 1938, Pearl married William H. O'Connor at St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro. Mr. O'Connor passed away in 2006. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Church, Utica. Pearl enjoyed her summers with her husband at their camp on Third Lake. Pearl is survived by one brother and two sisters-in-law, Robert and Betty Reilly, Westmoreland, and Dolores O'Connor, Utica; as well as by several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by four sisters and one brother, Mary VanArsdale, Elizabeth Radell, Regina Roberto, Christine Phillips, and Thomas Reilly. Mrs. O'Connor's funeral will be held Monday, January 10, 2011 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, New Hartford where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Yorkville will take place at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica on Monday morning, from 10 - 11 am, prior to the Funeral Mass. Those wishing may donate to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation in Pearl's memory.