Obituaries – 12-02-2015

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Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson thanks Sue Normand for her 19 years of volunteer service to the city and island community during a special meeting and reception Oct. 22 at city hall. Islander Photo: Kristin Swain

Sue Normand

Sue Normand of Holmes Beach died Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day.

Mrs. Normand operated Island Mail & More and Eselen Consulting in Holmes Beach and held many volunteer roles over the years, including as a member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, a victim advocate for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, a member of the missing/abducted child response team with the Holmes Beach Police Department and, most prominently, as chair of the city planning commission.

She was from Alexandria, Virginia, where she attended Frances C. Hammond High School. She studied at American University.

In Holmes Beach, Mrs. Normand served on the city planning commission for 19 years before retiring for health reasons Oct. 1. On Oct. 22, the city of Holmes Beach observed Sue Normand Day and celebrated with a reception and special meeting at city hall.

“It’s been my privilege to serve the city of Holmes Beach and the citizens of Holmes Beach for all these years,” Mrs. Normand said during the celebration. “And thank you very much for this honor.”

City and county officials praised Mrs. Normand’s commitment to the island city and volunteerism.

Friends and colleagues offered an outpouring of support to family and shared many fond remembrances of Mrs. Normand on social media.

On Nov. 26, Mrs. Normand’s Facebook page contained this post: “My scribe has the heartbreaking task of tell you all — my dear friends — of my passage from this world. I have joined my beloved son, mother, father and many others who are waiting for me. I have loved knowing all of you, and want to thank you all for your well-wishes and prayers.”

Arrangements were not announced at The Islander’s press time Nov. 30.

 

William B. ‘Billy O’ obit-O'Connor
O’Connor Jr.

      William B. “Billy O” O’Connor Jr., 65, of Cortez, died Nov. 27.

He was born in Buffalo, New York, to William B. and Joan (Harron) O’Connor Sr. and moved to Cortez in 1985. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked for Southern Greens Pest Control.

Mr. O’Connor was a strong supporter for many years of the Anna Maria Island Community Center, now The Center, hosting a bowling tournament with twin brother George to provide gear for youth sports, and also supporting Little League.

He was well known for many years on Anna Maria Island as a gregarious bartender and went on to manage a golf store and exceed in a sales career.

“Billy O” had a great outlook on life, always brought laughter with him wherever he went, especially by exploiting his Irish sense of humor and a competitive relationship with twin George.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Memorial donations may be made to the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve in Cortez, P.O. Box 606, Cortez FL 34215. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made online at www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Survivors include wife Sharon; twin brother George and wife Susan of Bradenton; brother David and wife Mary of Buffalo; and nieces and nephews, who were like children to him, along with many cherished friends.

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