Frances O’Conner Periconi

Frances O’Conner Periconi, 85, passed away peacefully on Nov. 7, 2023, at her home in Decatur, Ga.

She was born on Feb. 19, 1938, in Cloverdale to Estell O’Conner and Beatrice Huber O’Conner.

Frances graduated from Cloverdale High School in 1956, and later graduated with an RN license from Marion County General Hospital’s School of Nursing (later known as Wishard Memorial Hospital). She then earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University and a master’s degree from St. Xavier University (both in Chicago). She eventually became a professor of nursing at Ball State University. Wanting to achieve more and continue teaching at the university level, she earned her doctorate degree in education from Nova University. Frances then became Dr. Frances Periconi, professor of nursing at Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C., retiring from there in 1999.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, David Periconi; her son, Steven Periconi; her daughter, Sally (Periconi) Schroeder; and her two grandchildren, Lydia Periconi and Matthew Periconi. She is survived by eight siblings, Susan Naanes, Mary Wright, Louise Kendall, JoAnne O’Conner, Marie Oliver, Estelle Walker, Frank O’Conner and Michael O’Conner. Frances leaves behind numerous cousins, nephews and nieces and many friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Juanita Oliver.

Her warmth, kindness and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for faithfully sending greeting cards and keeping in touch with family and friends throughout the many years. Frances was known for her welcoming smile, her inclusiveness of everybody, her care and concern for those were struggling in life in any way, her beautiful singing voice while singing in church choirs and her devotion to researching family history.

The family held a celebration-of-life service for Frances on Nov. 19 in Austell, Ga.

Her family plans to hold two other services in memory of Frances, one in Greencastle and another in Goldsboro, N.C. Dates for those will be forthcoming.