March 5, 1943 - April 8, 2009

Sara Grace Ames Connor, named for both of her grandmothers, was born in Seattle on March 5, 1943, to Margaret and Houghton Ames. She grew up in West Seattle, attending Jefferson Elementary, James Madison Junior High and West Seattle High schools. While attending the University of Washington, she became engaged to Patrick Connor. They were subsequently married Sept. 7, 1963.

Soon became a seven-year journey: Four months into their marriage, they moved to Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minn. Then it was to West Lafayette, Ind.; on to San Diego, Calif., where son Michael was born; back to Seattle, where daughter Kristen was born; settling at the beginning of 1971 in Corvallis, where son Frank was born. There Sara became the consummate homemaker - skilled chef, crafts-person of many talents, including learning about and then producing many beautiful works of stained glass. She was the well-known "handy-man" of her household, doing all those things that keep a house healthy: painting, plumbing and sundry fixing. She was a whiz.

More than homemaker, Sara's home became a center of fun, crafts and activities for her children and their friends. Whether a semi-organized craft group of girls, or a place that a son's friend felt comfortable dropping in to take a shower (true fact), Sara and her home were always a source of comfort and safety.

During most of her Corvallis days Sara was a committed volunteer in the local FISH charity, beginning with fielding phone calls in the middle of the night to arranging for food, shelter, fuel and so forth for those in need.

Along with all that, she took up and excelled at the game of tennis. An active member of Timberhill Racquet Club, she participated in many games, both casual and USTA-league. A wicked forehand and a shameless drop shot were hallmarks of her game.

One Sunday afternoon in early 2001, she asked Patrick: "You work in Salem and all of our children and grandchildren live in Portland. Why, other than our friends - and of course inertia - do we live in Corvallis?" There being no compelling answer, they moved to Lake Oswego in August 2001. She delighted in the city, in being close to her family, in having easy access to downtown Portland, and in continuing her tennis, now at Lake O's Mountain Park Racquet Club, where she made many new friends in her 61/2 years' active membership.

Sara also loved to travel. Together with Patrick she took a number of trips around the U.S.; lived for a year in Vancouver, B.C., taking the opportunity to explore British Columbia; visited friends in Europe several times; and made at least three extended excursions to Japan.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Patrick Connor of Lake Oswego; son Michael of Portland, daughter Kristen Bruce and son-in-law Matthew of Cornelius, son Frank of Corvallis and Colville, Wash.; grandchildren Zachary, Kristina, Nathan, Lucas, Lucretia and Frank; brother Griffin Ames and sister-in-law Esther of Bremerton, Wash.; aunt Beatrice Darlington of Pleasant Grove, Utah; mother-in-law Jean Connor of Lake Oswego; one niece, one nephew, two grand-nieces, two grand-nephews and one great-grandniece.

And here is how she would want this notice to end: she greatly loved, and was immensely proud of, her wonderful children and grandchildren, and she wished them continual love, peace and joy.

A memorial service will be at noon Friday, April 17, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 650 A Avenue, Lake Oswego. Reception to follow immediately at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please make remembrances to Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation / Hospice Fund, 9205 SW Barnes Road, Portland 97225.