O'Connor, Margaret, 1927-

Margaret O'Connor was born on March 16, 1927 in Omaha, Nebraska. She earned her B.S. in nursing education from Creighton University and became a registered nurse with certification as a nurse anesthetist. Upon moving to Michigan, O'Connor earned another B.S. in political science and public administration from Eastern Michigan University. She began her political career in local government. She served on the Lodi Township Board for 8 years, was the secretary of the Lodi Township Planning Commission for 2 years, was a member of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for 6 years. Additionally, she served on the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and the Farm Council. In the fall of 1982, O'Connor was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives as a Republican. She represented the 52nd District (most of southwestern Washtenaw County). While in the House, she served on many committees including the Civil Rights, Labor, Constitution and Women's Issues, and Public Health and State Affairs committees. In 1986, she was selected as the Legislator of the Year, Conservative Caucus. A year later, she was awarded the position of House Minority Whip. She left the House in 1992.