Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
JOAN CONMY Obituary
Born and raised in Philadelphia, she attended St. Ambrose School and Cardinal Dougherty High School (1972) where she was a member of the Drill Team and later the Alumni Band and Drill Team. More importantly it was where, as a sophomore, she laid eyes on a handsome senior from across the gymnasium at the school's dance and told her friend she had found the man she was going to marry. Four years later she married her dream guy and they moved to Chicago where she worked at the Bell Telephone Company and helped put her husband through law school. Upon his graduation, they returned to Philly where they became volunteer emergency medical technicians.
An extremely hard worker and dedicated student, Joan went back to school and, while raising her 2 children, earned her Bachelor's Degree from Chestnut Hill College in 1991. Realizing her passion was teaching, she then pursued her Master's Degree in Education which she completed in 1997. After working at many different jobs throughout her life, she found her dream job in 2001 working as a teacher with the Hospital School Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As a teacher with this program, she helped children to achieve their academic goals while in the hospital. She taught many children in the Oncology Unit while she privately and courageously battled the disease. She also served for many years on the Board of Directors at Keystone Hospice which held a special place in her heart.
Joan was a lover of dancing, movies and theater, travel, the Phillies, the Shore, baking cookies, making bracelets and creative crafts, trying out new restaurants, making photo albums, and most of all being with her family. She never forgot a birthday and she made everyone in her life feel loved, special and remembered.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Viewing at
JACOB F. RUTH FUNERAL HOME, 8413 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill PA 19118, on Friday, March 9, 2012, from 5:30 to 9 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be held for family and friends at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 East Chestnut Hill Ave., Phila. PA 19118, Saturday, March 10, 2012, at 10 A.M., with Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joan's memory to either the CHOP Foundation, mailed to the Hospital School Program of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Lock Box 1352, PO Box 8500, Phila. PA 19127 or via http://giving.chop.edu/goto/ JoanConmy or to The George Fund, which benefits pediatric hospice care, and mailed to Keystone Hospice, 8765 Stenton Ave, Wyndmoor PA 19038.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOAN CONMY
Sponsored by The Conmy Family.
Carol Rhodes
March 2, 2024
Joan Murray entered my life Sept 1968. She sat in front of me (Carolyn Nitka) in homeroom as we started our freshman year at Cardinal Dougherty High School. My father died unexpectedly that same week at the age of 52, a memory that still makes me cry. Joan's friendship was a lifeline.
Joan and I had a lot in common, including a love of reading. Mitch Albom was a favorite author. The premise of his book, The 5 People you Meet in Heaven,
is upon dying we'll be escorted on our final journey to meet our creator by 5 people who impacted our life. They'll provide us with a backstage tour explaining the whys and why nots of our life, similar to what Clarence the angel did for Jimmy Stewart in the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Joan will be one of my five as I'm sure she'll be for many other people.
It's a job the teacher in her loves doing and since we knew each other so well, I know she'll use compassion and kindness as the truth is revealed.
Carol Rhodes
Carol Rhodes
March 1, 2023
Joan's super power was nurturing and loving everyone who came into her orbit.
There's a line of dialogue in the movie As Good as it Gets that Jack Nicholson says to Helen Hunt: You make me want to be a better man.
Having loved and been loved by Joan has made us better human beings. Lucky us.
Carol Rhodes
March 1, 2022
Joan's spirit is with me all the time. She still inspires and encourages me.
When we were in high school, Joan sewed patches on a denim jacket to make a truly unique creation that she loved.
My father-in-law who was a sergeant major in the army died in 1984, my mother-in-law who died in 2001saved the buttons from his uniforms .
Joan made a button bracelet for me with them. I just found his military patches.
I'm having them sewn on the back of a white denim jacket. When I wear it, I'll remember both Joan and Dusty. I'm re-reading the last book Joan and I loved, The Book Thief. I truly believe after a person's body dies, their love energy continues to exist. It certainly has with Joan.
Barry Herman
March 1, 2022
May her memory be as a blessing.
Carol Rhodes
March 1, 2021
Joan will never be forgotten . I read somewhere the love you give and the love you receive are really the only things that matter. Joan's being was composed of love. I think of her and miss her almost every day and know how blessed I was to have her in my life.
jamie johnson
March 1, 2020
I think of Joan each day! Im so thankful for the model hospital school teacher she was. I strive and continue to live up to her high standard that she imprinted upon CHOP. I keep turtle Tuesday ongoing in Joans memory.
Roy Noyes
December 21, 2012
Many years ago I had the pleasure to volunteer at Northwest Ambulance Corp. with Joan and Jim. Joan (and Jim) was one of the most kind, thoughtful, caring person (people) I have ever met. One memory of Joan and Jim was a Halloween party. They had the BEST pin the tale on the donkey I have ever played.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Joan and her family this Christmas.
David Walker
June 24, 2012
So sorry to hear of Joan's passing. I was extremely touched when Joan and Jim came to visit me at UOP Hospital. I hoped to rekindle a friendship we had long ago. Joan was special and I cherish the memories!
March 12, 2012
Joan was such a nice person. I met her when she joined the Cardinal Dougherty Alumni Drill Team. She always had something nice to say. I didn't see her for awhile and then last April she attended the CD Band and Drill team reunion. She was just as sweet as I remembered her. I'm happy I had the chance to meet her.
Jim and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne Schneider Cuccinello
Class of l969 -Alumni Drill team
Steve Crawford
March 10, 2012
Dearest Joan,
Please know that you left this world much better off than you found it; as seen by all of the entries in this wonderful guest book, several communities grieve for you and your family and will forever miss you and your good works.
We wish Jim, Joanna, James, and all of Joan's family strength to deal with the coming days. A couple of vignettes that we hope will put smiles on your faces--seeing Joan in her #10 Dutch Daulton Phillies shirt at one of those beastly hot Phillies Sunday p.m. games and the sight of your wife and Mom dropping off a nice, hot pasta meal the day we brought our little Beth home from the hospital (a wonderful surprise to us, but just another example of how much more Joan gave than received.)
God bless you all and please know that so many share your sorrow; Joan was truly one of the most special people we have ever known.
Steve, Pat, Katherine, and Elizabeth Crawford
Malinda Hill
March 10, 2012
It was an honor to work with Joan at CHOP. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Paula Finestone
March 9, 2012
Dear Conmy Family: I know Joan would be proud of what became of that stubborn 10-year-old boy she taught during his months on the oncology unit during 2003 (Joan, he's now in college, studying computers--what else!). Her loving guidance was wonderful, healing medicine for him during those tough days. Joan was truly called to be a teacher--it was her gift.
I also had the privilege of knowing Joan as a colleague--she always brought sunshine and gentle humor whenever she entered the room. I will miss her so.
I send all of you my deepest sympathy at this sad time.
Mary Rourke
March 9, 2012
I had the great pleasure of working with Joan at CHOP for several years. Her compassion and kindness to patients and to the CHOP team members with whom she worked were notable. It was always a great treat to get to work with her, and I know that she touched the lives of many, many children. My condolences to her family.
lola leonardo
March 9, 2012
Joan it was a pleasure meeting you and your family. I will be greatly missed you.
Donna Gussow
March 9, 2012
I will always remember my wonderful and thoughtful cousin Joanie. We had lots of fun times in Brigantine when we were much younger. I can remember all those fun times. I was so sad to hear that she is gone, but I know she went straight to Heaven. She was such a great person and I will never forget her. She was such a caring person teaching the children at CHOP. That takes a special person to do such an important job. Even sick children need to learn and I am sure she gave them everything she had to accomplish that.
My love goes out to her family. I am glad she was able to hang in there long enough to meet and give love to her new grandchild, Annabelle. I know that is what she waited for. Please accept my condolences Jim, Joanna, James and Annabelle. I wish I could be there with you.
Mary Stinger
March 9, 2012
Dear sweet Joan - We will always remember all the good times on Gravers Lane. Jim, Joan, Joanna, James such a big part of our family. We will love you forever. All the Stingers
March 9, 2012
To the Family my condolences. Joan was a very sweet and nice soul .She always had a smile each and everyday she was here. We used to talk about kids and school work to help further my grandsons. I will truly miss her sweet personality and smile.
Jackie Smith
Megan Bobeck, RN
March 8, 2012
To the family of Miss Joan,
So saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful wife & mother. What more can you say - Joan was such a lovely woman. Always smiling, always compassionate toward others, and a friendly face whom everyone looked forward to seeing each day. I know she is at peace with the many children whose lives she touched so deeply here on Earth. She will be so missed at CHOP - most especially in oncology.
March 8, 2012
To all the Murray Family,
Childhood memories would not be complete without endless stories which included Joannie. Many hours were passed playing on porches, sitting on front steps, walking to Burger Chef, spotlight dances, looking at scrapbooks of Hollywood idols, making dreams, and just being girlfriends. As time passed our lives went in different directions, but occasionally our paths would cross and we would remember those carefree days. I will truly miss those meetings but those memories will always be treasured. My deepest sympathy to Joannie's family.
Sherrie (Thiel) Wexler Turnersville, New Jersey
Susan (Miller)Van Nest
March 8, 2012
To Jim and family, Mary Margaret. John and the whole Murray clan, My heart is broke and I can't stop the tears. Joannie,Mary Margaret and I grew up together in Briganine and were inseparable. From dolls, comic books,collecting turtles to sharing secrets, first dances, first parties,first boyfriends.. Joannie was one of my best friends and there are a million things I learned from her. I will always treasure our time together. She soared beyond our girlhood dreams and aspirations of which I was so happy and proud of her. I will love, remember and miss her all my life. All my prayers go out to the family
Jamie Johnson
March 8, 2012
Joan was an amazing co-worker and friend! She has instilled so many values within myself that I will never forget. Her dedication and loyalty to her job, friends and most importantly family was sincere, thoughtful and so admirable. I am very thankful for getting to spend my days laughing and eating foods that she would crave.Most notably the "veggie pitas" Words cannot express my feeling of loss but happiness for Joan. I know she is checking in on all the children to make sure they are caught up with school. I will always keep your memory alive teaching at CHOP.
I will always keep this close:
Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends. ~unknown
Sayde Ladov
March 8, 2012
Dear Jim and Joanna -Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Joan. I know that you are a close and loving family and this loss is surely one which will be felt forever. David and I send our best to you - The entire family is in our thoughts
Dana Vass
March 8, 2012
Joan was one of the first people I met 8 years ago when I began working at CHOP. Joan was always smiling, always had heartfelt words and advice, and most importantly gave everything she had to all in her presence. To say she will be missed is an understatement. I wish your family and friends peace during these difficult days.
Sincerely
Dana Vass - CHOP Oncology Social Worker
Darlene Barkman
March 8, 2012
As so many have already expressed, Miss Joan was an amazing, caring, compassionate person. Our lives were brightened when she would come to work with Lauren during her stays at CHOP. She had the ability to bring a smile to our daughter's face each day. Lauren especially loved reading with Miss Joan and still talks of how Miss Joan taught her how to tell time. We are blessed to have known such a wonderful woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Conmy family. Thank you, Miss Joan- we will miss you.
Kevin Carlin
March 8, 2012
Jim: I was devastated when I heard the news from my Mom last night. I will always remember that beautiful smile and soft voice. You are a lucky man to have shared life with her for so many years. I will always remember how beautiful she looked in her drill team uniform, with that garnet hat and feather framing her smiling face. My heart truly goes out to you and your family,knowing how much you will miss her. Kevin
Jennifer Lemisch
March 8, 2012
Your dedication to patients at chop was unwavering. It has been an honor to work with you in oncology for over a decade. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family as they mourn the loss of such a wonderful person.
March 8, 2012
Dear Jim and family and friends, We have lost an amazing friend of more thatn 38 years! She is one of our "Bell Girls" and was so loving, caring and compassionate, she made time for everyone. We will miss you so much! We love you and will pray for you at this difficult time. Love, Ellen, Nadine and Liz
Sue and Bill Ferris
March 8, 2012
Our deepest sympathy for Joannie's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Andy & Elizabeth Levison
March 7, 2012
Jim, Joanna - Stan - Annabelle Joan and James. There are no words to express how amazing Joan was to both of us. She was always there when I needed advice and support and she was Elizabeth's guiding light through her most difficult times. She was a person of unswerving loyalty and immeasurable kindness. Our love will always be with her and with all of you. Andy and Elizabeth
Heather Burket, CCLS, CTRS
March 7, 2012
The team has not been complete since Joan departed CHOP... How we will miss spending time with you and your husband at our annual Holiday get together. I am pleased she was able to enjoy her last monthes surrounded by a supportive family. What a blessing that she got to see her new grand baby. How special to have made such an impact on those around her in every avenue of her life. Surely her legacy will continue for those who loved her and were blessed to share time with her.
March 7, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Joanie's family. To know her was to love her. You are all in my prayers. Ellie Derrickson and family
Greg Stout
March 7, 2012
Joan taught my now deceased daughter Tara at CHOP. They loved each other. Joan was a shining star, and one of the most beautiful souls my family and I have ever known. Many tears will be shed by the loss of this amazing, brilliant, compassionate woman. I'm sure she gets the express straight to heaven. My daughter Tara will be waiting for you Miss Joan with open arms. Godspeed.
Samantha "Sam" Garrett CHOP ED CLS
March 7, 2012
I worked with Joan at CHOP for four years and she was the most inspirational teacher I have had the privilege of working with. Her dedication to the patients, families and staff was evident with each interaction she had. I was honored to be her colleague. To her family, thank you for all the nights she was able to stay late with the kids at CHOP, they appreciated it immensely!
March 7, 2012
My only hope is that Joan knew how much she meant to me and all of us who were gifted with her presence. Kiddos who weren't up for anything because of treatment would muster the energy when Miss Joan came. She had such a sweet and special relationship with her students and I am so blessed to have counted on her as a colleague.
My love and thoughts go out to her family, including her beloved granddaughter.
Katie David, Oncology Social Worker at CHOP
Nick Voutsakis
March 7, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Joannie's family especially Jim and all of The Murray clan ... a remarkable family. She was a beautifull human being. Will allways remember great summer times growing up in Brigantine. - may her memory be eternal.
Marie Correale Hanley
March 7, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Joan's family and dear friends. I knew Joan throughout our years at St. Ambrose and Cardinal Dougherty. May your memories of her bring you comfort now, and joy in the difficult days ahead. God Bless.
Michael Pulaski
March 7, 2012
Miss Joan.......
We are so very saddened to hear of "Miss Joans" passing. Our lovely daughter Sarah Loved Joan.... and I'm certain that Sarah, Eli, Ricky and so many other children were waiting for her at the gates of heaven.
Joan was very special to all the kids she taught at CHOP. May she find peace in reuniting with her students that have passed......
May God Bless your family during this difficult time.
Mike & Rene Pulaski (Parents of Sarah Pulaski)
Sarah Garito
March 7, 2012
Miss Joan, you were such a treasure to my daughter, Mia, during her 10 months at CHOP. You radiated love and our family with treasure your kindness forever.
March 7, 2012
So sad to hear of Joan's passing. Her absence will be deeply felt here not just by parents and patients but by her fellow colleagues. May she rest in peace.
Rosanna Pollack, Nurse Practitioner
March 7, 2012
my dearest sister, our family will not be the same without you, I love you and always will, Barbara
Jim, Joanna and James, what can i say, she was a treasure and she got her wish to see her beautiful granddaughter, Annabelle Joan
Suzanne Conaboy
March 7, 2012
Miss Joan was a wonderful teacher and a tremendous asset to the Oncology Unit at CHOP. My prayers go out to her family.
Maureen Coyle
March 7, 2012
Jim, I am so sorry. I just found out. My heart goes out to you and your children.
Ruth Matthews
March 7, 2012
Wonderful Miss Joan....You were a bright light to our Eli and us on the dark days at CHOP.....you truly were a gift to this world......and you are going to be missed by so many people who loved you. You will now get to meet up with all of our angels in heaven and maybe get to teach them all again.
Barry Herman
March 7, 2012
Jim, my sincere condolences to you and to your family. I'll remember Joan as a wonderful person.
Stacy Fleming
March 7, 2012
I went HS with Joan... I only saw at reunions but she continued to be a great lady. My thoughts to her family. Stacy Fleming
Stephen Haviland
March 7, 2012
Jim "Groovey" my deepest sympathy on your loss...Joanie was an incredible person and I know she will be missed. a rose by any name should smell so sweet.. Wish I could attend but know my thoughts are with you...Love
Adele Rhoades
March 7, 2012
Prayers to Joan's entire family. I've had the pleasure to meet and take care of Joan and she was an amazing and caring women. May she rest in peace.
March 7, 2012
Joan was truly an inspiration to all of us. A wonderful teacher, colleague, and friend. We will miss you greatly.
`Maureen Reilly, Cinnaminson, NJ
Barbara Roumaya
March 7, 2012
I went to grade school and HS with Joan. She was always a nice person. Sweet and a good sense of humor. I am so sorry to hear of her passing but so glad she had such a beautiful life.
My prayers for her family.
Barbara Sobel Roumaya
Maria Degnan
March 7, 2012
Oh Miss Joan. We didn't know and you wouldn't want us to know. You were a ray of hope for us while we stayed at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. You understood us all so well. Not only were you a great teacher to our sick kids, but you were a wonderful person. You will be greatly missed.
Maria, Joe and Joey Degnan
Michele & Joe Ingersoll
March 7, 2012
An Irish Funeral Prayer:
Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything remains as it was. The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no sorrow in your tone. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.
Source: derived from a sermon written by Henry Scott Holland and delivered in St. Paul's (London) on 15 May 1910, at which time the body of King Edward VII was lying in state at Westminster.
Betsy Wilkinson
March 7, 2012
Dear Jim, Joanna, James and all the Conmy/Murray Family: I so remember when Joan came into the Conmy Family. My mother and sisters still remember Joan as one of the most beautiful brides they have even seen. I remember all of our fun times in Chicago, especially that very first week. Joan always went out of her way to remember you in good times and in tougher times with a card, or seeking you out and taking one-on-one time with you at an event. She could make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. We know first hand about how much joy she bought to children battling tough illness and to their families, and my was she about the best Aunt anyone could ever have. There truly is one more angel in heaven today.
Barbara Moreland
March 7, 2012
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Jamie McAvaddy
March 7, 2012
Miss Joan taught my son, Ricky, while he was a patient at CHOP. She was so good to him and was always very concerned on how we were all doing. Not only was Miss Joan an amazing teacher, but she was a beautiful person both inside and out. I'm so sad to hear of her passing, but I have no doubt that she is in Heaven and will be teaching Ricky and all the children whose lives she had touched in such a special way. Our prayers are with her family.
John Canney
March 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I will never forget your compassion for others, your dedication, your ability to make people smile and the love you have for your family. God Bless you and your family.
Colby
March 7, 2012
Joan was an amazing mother. Everything she did was so selfless and loving. She had the courage of giants. Our hearts are broken by her loss,but warmed by her memory.
Humanity has lost an irreplaceable member.
Christopher Flite
March 7, 2012
You will be forevor loved Aunt Joan. I thank God for having been blessed with such an amazing Godmother. I'll miss you. God Bless.
Jen Sciolla
March 7, 2012
You will be missed by so many. Your compassion, friendship and love is something I will cherish. You were one in a million. My prayers are with those who loved you most, may they find peace in all of the wonderful memories you made as a family.
March 7, 2012
I loved the picture you chose(because that's how I'll always remember her) and the sentiments expressed describe her perfectly. Carol Rhodes, Sewell NJ
David A. Burgoyne
March 7, 2012
Be assured of my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of your beloved Joan.
jennifer broadbent
March 7, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 61 of 61 results
Make a Donation
in JOAN CONMY's name
Memorial Events
for JOAN CONMY
Funeral services provided by:
Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors, Inc.8413 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118-3366
How to support JOAN's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor JOAN CONMY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
