DERBY: Lillian T. (Uva) O’Connor, age 102, entered eternal rest on July 24, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late James W. O’Connor.
Born in Derby on May 4, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Theresa (Tomasella) Uva. A lifelong resident of Derby, Lillian graduated from Derby High School and later went on to attend St. Raphael Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed as a registered nurse for St. Raphael Hospital for many years before transitioning to the Derby School system as their school nurse and ultimately retiring from Griffin Hospital in Derby. Lillian was devoted entirely to her family, especially her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lived for the magic of the holidays, sharing the seasons with warmth and tradition. Lillian was a devout communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Derby.
Lillian leaves to cherish her memory, loving daughters, Doreen Metzler (Michael) of Ansonia and Lynne Hillis (Michael) of Derby, grandchildren, Meghan Minuto (Thomas) of Exeter, RI, Erin Hillis of Derby and Shaun Hillis of Derby, great-grandchildren, Michael and Liberty Minuto along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Patrick and Augie Uva.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Nancy, Monica, Tanya and Ashley for the wonderful care they took of Lillian over the years and a very special thank you to her most caring friend Sandra Haley.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 9:00-10:30 am in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Her funeral will then proceed to St. Mary’s Church (Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish) in Derby, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lillian’s memory may be made directly to Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418. To sign Lillian’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.