In the early hours of May 21, as the night sky was filled with brilliant lightning and thunderous clouds, Mary Kathleen O’Connor Yochim, aka Kathy/Grammy, passed away quietly at University of Tennessee Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer.
Mrs. Yochim was born on May 10, 1948, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville and is the oldest of 14 children born to Charles Gregory O’Connor and Jeanne McWhirter.
She was raised in Knoxville and was a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School. Working for United Airlines in Washington, D.C., she met Patrick James Yochim. The two married on Oct. 17, 1970, and enjoyed 51 loving years together.
Mrs. Yochim’s time in nursing school led to a long career in medical insurance. As a faithful member of her church, she was active with Immaculate Conception Parish’s women’s group, bereavement committee, two prayer groups, food pantry, Bag Lady’s Plus 4 group (weaving blankets for homeless), altar society, Ladies of Charity, and so much more.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her sister, Martha Lou Canfield, her brother, Thomas Christopher O’Connor, and nephew Stewart Hazenfield.
She is survived by her children, Brian Matthew Yochim and wife Meridith Christine Dauss Yochim, and their children, Hayden Matthew, Elijah James, Lucas Timothy, and Peyton Andrew; and Anne Elizabeth Yochim Smith and husband Dr. Chadwick Lee Smith and their children, Maddox Hudson and Charlize “Charlee” Elizabeth; siblings, Jean Ann Savery, Jody (Jim) Hazenfield, Greg (Nancy) O’Connor, Jane O’Connor, Tim (Terry) O’Connor, Bob (Renee) O’Connor, Eileen (Scott) Van Fleet, Kevin (Tracy) O’Connor, Maggie (Greg) Heaton, Marie (Mike) Ensley, Becca O’Connor, Bill O’Connor (Brad Froslee), and Norm (Priscilla) Canfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mrs. Yochim has graciously donated her body to science. A future graveside burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Knoxville.
A memorial Mass was held on June 21 at Immaculate Conception Church, with Father Jim Haley, CSP, serving as the celebrant.
Memorial donations in Mrs. Yochim’s memory may be made to Ladies of Charity in care of Immaculate Conception Church, 414 W. Vine Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902.
