Nora O'Hearn

Nora O?Hearn, 97, Dickinson, died Saturday, October 11, 2003, at St. Luke?s Home, Dickinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a. m. Wednesday, October 15, 2003, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with the Reverend David Morman celebrating. Inurnment will be in St. Patrick?s Cemetery, Dickinson. Nora Connell was born April 16, 1906, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Olive and Dan Connell. She grew up strong, beautiful and independent riding horses, hunting and exploring the beauties of the North Dakota Badlands from her home on the ranch. She attended high school in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Dickinson, North Dakota. After receiving her teacher?s certification at Dickinson Normal School, which is now Dickinson State University, Nora taught rural schools until her marriage in 1929 to Edward ?Eddie? O?Hearn of Fargo, North Dakota. Their marriage was graced by the arrival of four children, Kay (Bill) Foster of Dickinson, Marge (Darwin) Swett of Loveland, Colorado, Dan O?Hearn of Houston, Texas and Sharon (Gary) Hamann also of Loveland, Colorado. Nora will be greatly missed by all who knew her for her indomitable spirit of optimism, her love of life, her sense of humor, her talents in cooking and baking, her artistic creations of original quilts, her sharing of her time and her joy in appreciating her family and friends. Nora was well know throughout the community when she owned and operated first the Dickinson Motel and later the Rancher Motel from 1950 to 1965. Nora received recognition and awards from St. Joseph?s Hospital for her many years of volunteer service. She was also recognized for her culinary skills by winning district and state awards in cooking competitions. In addition to her varied activities, she served with dedication as a bailiff for the local court system. Nora was preceded in death by: her parents, Olive and Dan Connell; her husband, Eddie O?Hearn; a brother, Lester Connell and a sister, Goldie Nutter. She is survived by: her four children; her brother, Sid Connell, Medora, ND; sister, Evelyn Neuens, Bismarck, ND; 17 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Nora?s life encompassed all the virtues and values of the pioneer spirit. She lived her life with grace and dignity. We Nora?s family and friends wish to thank her for all she gave to us, and wish for her, her well-earned rest.


Burial Date: October 15, 2003
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, Queen of Peace Catholic Church