We are saddened to report that Mother Lillie Margaret Walthall Connor, known simply as “Mother Connor” passed away yesterday morning.
Connor founded Montclair’s historic Hollow Day Care Center in 1960, an after school program for children from low-to-moderate income families. In 1964, the program was incorporated as the Kennedy Human Relations Project for Youth. Hollow Day Care Center closed in 2011, after being plagued for years by financial woes and political infighting.
The daughter of Virginia sharecroppers published her memoir, “A Lily Blooms: Mud Between My Toes,” at the age of 80.
Mother Connor, 96, was honored for 50 years of dedication and service at a benefit luncheon in 2010. State Senator Nia Gill was the guest speaker.
Earlier that year, Wayne Robbins of “Inside Montclair” interviewed Mother Connor and posted these videos:
I had the pleasure of meeting Mother Connor while working as Childcare & Youth Director at the old YWCA on Glenridge Avenue. She was a delight, and had the children transfixed with her stories during our intergenerational sessions with seniors in town. A lovely, charming, and talented gal. She will be sorely missed.
https://youtu.be/EkiPo0lzQJs
The link above is for Part 2….you could also find part 2, by playing part one to the end, and part 2 video will be in a group of videos.
A wonderful unforgettable friend and mentor.