After a long, full, and faithful life, Helen A. (Schwomeyer) O'Connor, 95, started her heavenly journey from her home surrounded by loving family, her birds, and squirrels on Monday, January 12, 2026. Born on September 1,1930, she was the 5th of the 6 children of Carl F. Schwomeyer and Anna C. (Riensche) Schwomeyer. She attended Emmaus Lutheran School and Emmerich Manual High School where she met and later married the love of her life Monte E. O'Connor, D.D.S. on August 23, 1951. They were married for 66 years. She proudly earned her nursing cap from the Indiana University School of Nursing, Class of 1951 and lived her life exemplifying high standards of care, compassion, sacrifice, and pride. Her nursing at Coleman Hospital and Dr. Robert Knowles' practice provided great memories for her. After working with Dad until he retired, her stint as a GED proctor at C-9 gave her yet another opportunity to help others.

A lifelong member of Emmaus, the church her parents helped found, Helen stayed active through her commitment to the school, which her children also attended, and the choir as well as raising her voice for consecutive years of Christmas Eve and Good Friday services.

A loving mom and grandma, she faithfully supported her children and grandchildren and reveled in their accomplishments and activities with her encouragement as well as attendance at performances and sporting events. Those who love and will miss her dearly include children Patricia A. O'Connor and Pamela L. O'Connor of Indianapolis, Karen S. Davis (William D.) of Greenwood, and Perry E. O'Connor, Greenfield. Her prides and joys are grandchildren Katie A. Blackburn (Chris) of Indianapolis, Benjamin H. Davis (Tina) of Greenwood, Brandon O. Davis (Amanda) Indianapolis, and Breanna J. O'Connor (Aaron) of Richmond. Those who lovingly call her Grandma Hody are great-grandchildren Kaleb (Alyssa), Connor (Isabelle), Emma, Destiny Davis, Andrew and Aaron Blackburn, Everett and Brooks Davis, and great-great granddaughter Jocelyn Davis. Her many nieces and nephews knew they could rely on Aunt Helen for hugs, praise, advice, songs and German Chocolate Cake.

Many called her the Dollar Lady since she often crossed their palm with a dollar just because she enjoyed seeing them smile. An avid Butler Bulldog and Indiana University Hoosier fan, she is still cheering for the football team to their national title.

San Francisco and Ireland were two of her favorite travel destinations, but she also managed trips to Spain, Hawaii, Calgary, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Monte, her parents, all of her brothers and sisters (Irvin, Herb, Raymond, Carolyn, Alberta) and their spouses (Mary, Frieda, Norma, Harold, James) whom she joins in the heavenly choir.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 17 at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1224 Laurel St, Indianapolis from 10-12 P.M. with the Celebration of the Resurrection at 12:00 P.M.  The service will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/@emmauslutheranchurch-india3463?si=HIMEkCZZ4Fg2flnr Burial will follow at Concordia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Helen requests memorial donations to Emmaus Lutheran Church or the Jean L. Coffey Webster Scholarship Fund, IU School of Nursing.  Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.