Anibel O'Connor

Anibel O’Connor “Ani”, daughter of Jacinto Peña and Ana Peña was born February 26 ^th , 1970 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. She attended the San Cristobal SDA School, DR, was a graduate of Antillian College, PR and Atlantic Union College, MA.  At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ. She shared her life’s testimony of trials and victory over sin and suffering by the grace of Jesus through her beautiful singing ministry.  Her music is still played on SDA Radio Stations like Radio Amanecer in Dominican Republic, and copies of her Two CDs continue to bless thousands in the United States, Puerto Rico, and in homes in much further places.

She was united in holy matrimony to Pastor J.P. O’Connor on August 6 ^th , 1995. This union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Amber and Selina. She loved her husband and was the ideal match and helpmeet for his ministry.  She worked side by side supported and served with him as a prayer warrior. She was devoted to her daughters and dedicated her life to teaching them about Jesus and His love for them.  Family was very important to Ani.  She made sure that everyone felt they had a place in her home. Ani delighted in surrounding herself with family, friends, music, laughter, and made people always feel welcome in her house.  On another note, Ani was an avid advocate of healthy living and a vegan lifestyle.  She truly believed that our bodies are the temple of the holy spirit and embodied that belief. Her cooking was always enjoyed and she very often surprised vegan unbelievers with her tasty meals.

Ani was the life of any gathering and was the planner of family events. She was a strong believer of doing things with excellence for the honor and glory of God.  Ani was an active member in the churches where her husband ministered. She directed children’s choirs in Norwalk SDA church, CA and Avon Park SDA church, FL.

Her whole life has been a witness of God’s love and mercy.   As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many.  Her Christian life was as beautiful as the Scriptures she loved so well.  She will forever be remembered by the following scripture: God is my “shield, and my exceedingly great reward” (Gn. 15:1). Her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.  Ani was a faithful servant who sought to help others even in her pain and struggle.  We can humbly say that the verse in 2 Timothy 4: 7, 8 describes her fight: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”   Ani quietly rested her soul in God’s Holy Book Tuesday, October 08 ^th , 2019 in the company of her beloved husband, children, parents, siblings and friends.  Their melodic voices serenaded her until her last breath with the beautiful harmony of her favorite hymns, at her home in Avon Park, Florida.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband: Pr. J.P. O’Connor; her children:  Amber and Selina O’Connor; Parents: Jacinto and Ana Peña; her siblings: Leonardo Peña, Suzy Lipchitz, Sara de Valle, Joselin Peña, Clara Regalado, Irving Peña, Joel Peña and Madeline Ogando; her parents-in-law: Patrick and Cathy O’Connor; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Until we see her again, doing what she loved the most: sing to the Lord our God and we will all join her as she sings with the heavenly choir in songs of worship.