The Honorable Judge Carol A. Connor (Lacan) died May 10th, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM with all her beloved family near.
Carol, a strong, wise and powerful Assinibione Sioux woman was born in Wolf Point Montana on December 31, 1941 to Lora M. Worthington and Fred Whitebear Connor. Carol had three children Robert Mark Gilbert, Cindy Montgomery and Lori Matier Vittatoe. Carol was preceded in death by her son Robert Mark Gilbert and survived by her daughters Cindy Montgomery and Lori Matier Vittatoe, her Grandchildren Natalie Montgomery, Rachael Matier, Joseph Montgomery, William Connor Montgomery and Great Grand Children Dominique Ortiz, Jordan Connor, Ethan Whitebear, Brendan Barela, and Noah Joseph.
Judge Connor graduated with the class of 1978 from the University of New Mexico Law School as a member of the Indian Law Center. Her prolific law career spanned four decades, including practicing law for several tribes across the United States, including her own Assiniboine Sioux tribe in Montana. Judge Connor then sat on the bench as a Federal Administrative Law Judge for 20 years. Judge Connor was a founding member of the New Mexico Women’s Bar Association, and a tireless advocate for women, Native Americans, and land and water rights.
Judge Connor was married to her “Cherie” Jacques Lacan for 20 years, whom she met in Normandy while honoring a story of fallen Native Americans in WWII, including her own father. They were married in a fairy tale French castle, as well as in the church and resided in Albuquerque, with their beloved puppies Bisoux Boy I, Bisoux Boy II, and Kissy Face. There aren’t words to describe the magnitude of Carol’s impact on the world, how incredible she was, and how much she will be missed, as she truly touched all those she encountered. She will always be in our hearts and continue to guide us.
She always believed her greatest gift to the world was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who she loved and adored.
Donations can be made in honor of Carol to the New Mexico Womens Bar Association.