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Jo-Ann M. O'Connell
1959 - 2023
Jo-Ann M. O'Connell
1959 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1959
DIED
2023
Jo-Ann O'Connell Obituary
Jo-Ann M. O’Connell, 64, of Deerfield, NH, died March 16, 2023, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
She was born in Manchester on January 14, 1959, to Peter and Dorothy (Williams) Perich. She lived in Manchester for most of her life, before moving to Deerfield to raise her family.
Jo-Ann earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College and a masters degree in healthcare administration from New England College.
She spent her entire professional career at the Elliot Hospital, where she was a nurse for over 40 years. Her devotion to patient care made her a role-model and source of knowledge for all that knew her. Additionally, Jo-Ann traveled to Cambodia and Peru with Project Helping Hands to provide healthcare in developing nations.
Jo-Ann had unwavering faith and was an active member of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Manchester. She dedicated her time, without seeking recognition, giving back to the community through the Salvation Army, Girl Scouts of America, Deerfield FOCUS group, and the church led Good Samaritan committee. She was an avid quilter and had an unmatched love for the nightly news and ice cream.
Jo-Ann is survived by her husband of 40 years, Gary J. O’Connell of Deerfield; a son, Peter O’Connell, of Encinitas, CA; daughter, Margaret O’Connell and husband, Thomas Davies, of Dallas, TX; and daughter, Anna Kerr and husband, James, of Deerfield. Her greatest joy and accomplishment in life was being a mother and soon to-be grandmother.
Services: Calling hours are Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM at Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH.
The funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, at 10:30 AM in Holy Trinity Cathedral, 166 Pearl Street, Manchester, NH.
Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Goffstown, NH.
Memorial donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 166 Pearl St., Manchester, NH 03104.
For more information visit: www.connorhealy.com.
Allyson Bodell
March 13, 2025
Jo-Ann was the best friend and boss ever. She was so smart. If you had a problem she was always there for you. She always was willing to help out. Her skills as a nurse were amazing. She was like a walking Medical Treasure. I will never forget the wonderful Christmas Parties she organized in her home. Everything was perfect. Of course it was Jo-Ann was at the helm. I miss Jo-Ann. I think heaven is so lucky to have her.
God Bless Jo-Ann and all of you.
Love,
Allyson Bodell
Allyson Bodell
March 14, 2024
Jo-Ann Was there for me during my darkest times. She always came to cheer me up when I was in the hospital. Her faith in me never wavered. God Bless Jo-Ann
Marc and Kristen Biron
December 20, 2023
We just found out about Jo-Ann‘s passing today. Our thought and prayers are with the family.
Thomas Kehr
December 20, 2023
My first school friend when I moved to Manchester from NY for first grade. Sorry we didn’t get that chance to talk for decades. RIP, Joanne
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Terrie Lockridge
August 10, 2023
I was so sad to hear of Jo-Ann's passing. We went to St. A's together, and I had lost contact with her over the years. My most consistent memory was her smile...always smiling, so sweet and so kind. Such a loss to everyone in her world. Sending hugs and prayers to Gary and her children.
Susan Gilland (Tarry)
April 17, 2023
I was so sad to hear alof Jo-Ann's death. We worked together at Elliot for many years. Whenever I said Hi and asked how she was, her answer was always the same - "Good Enough"! I hope happy memories help during this difficult time.
Mary Sullivan
March 28, 2023
Sorry for your loss.
Worked with JoAnn many years ago at Elliot. She had quick wit, smile for everyone with boundless energy.
May she rest in peace.
Glenda Howard-Lamothe
March 27, 2023
I’m so sorry for the loss of Jo-Ann.I worked nights when she was supervisor. She
Would always give me the dates of her church
Fair which she worked so I could buy pierogies. I also used to see her at the Deerfield fair volunteering. She was one of a kind.
Robin Young-Cournoyer
March 26, 2023
I went to Nursing School with her. She was a kind and caring nursing student. I wish her family peace.
Terri Gill
March 25, 2023
The neighborhood won´t be the same without Jo-Ann. A few days after her death, we saw a bald eagle over the O'Connell house. It seemed spiritual.
Jo-Ann was quick to lend a hand, whether it was a handbag to match an outfit, a box of pins for a quilt project, or medical advise in an emergency. Our families raised pigs and chickens together. I believe she served cake to the pigs on the day they were going to slaughter - she felt sorry for them. We also raised our kids together while they participated in sports and scouts and school events and did all the typical neighborhood activities. Jo-Ann was my quilt retreat roommate for many years where we sometimes worked on wedding quilts for other neighborhood "kids." She was famous for saying "gotta get this damn thing done." But she was also unwavering in her faith and made time for prayer no matter where she was. She was a great cook who valued family dinners and could also tell you the best restaurants in the area. She enjoyed her huge collection of Nativities, reusing her Christmas tree tinsel, old fashioned things, cookie jars, 1930s fabric. At one point she had a Hoosier cabinet on her radar. She was generous with charity work and had interesting stories of her medical adventures overseas. She had an impactful experience while visiting a concentration camp in Poland, as I recall. My memories are only a snippet of who Jo-Ann was.
Sincerest condolences from the Gill family go out to Gary, Peter, Maggie, Anna, their spouses, the Perich family, and all who loved her. May she rest eternally in peace.
Stefan, Jackie, Scarlet and Oliver Swiadas
March 24, 2023
Gary, Maggie, Anna and Peter, please accept our sincerest condolences. We will miss seeing JoAnn at church. She would always give Scarlet coins at church and always had a way of making everyones day just with her smile. We will forever cherish the beautiful quilt she gave us for our wedding. Rest in peace JoAnn.
Linda Kordas
March 24, 2023
I was very sad to learn of Mrs. O´Connell´s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences to her family and especially to Maggie! Memory Eternal!
Betty LaFleur
March 23, 2023
I always appreciated Joanne’s wit and her ability to smile even during the most difficult days. I imagine she would do that now if she knew how sad everyone was to hear of her passing. God bless you and your family Joanne.
Renee Gabree
March 23, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Jo-Ann’s family during this sad time. I remember Jo-Ann for her genuine kindness & have fond memories during the time I worked with her.
Robbie Dakoulas Pellerin
March 23, 2023
Jo-Ann and I went to high school together and we met up again at her church. She was such a dear soul. I'm very saddened to learn of her health struggles and am sending sincere condolences to all of her family and loved ones. I know she will be greatly missed. Rest in peace sweet Jo-Ann.
Lesa White
March 23, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was so fortunate to work with Jo fo 20+ yrs, she was a wonderful, caring person and loved her family. She wll always be in our hearts.
Robin Murby
March 23, 2023
Joanne was a supervisor when I worked on the night shift many years ago. She was always helpful and kind and calm in any situation. I always appreciated her presence. She will be sorely missed at the Elliot. I am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful soul.
Michael Myers
March 22, 2023
Jo-Ann was in my homeroom at Memorial for 4 years and by Senior year we were good buddies. I will remember her as an intelligent attractive and kind loving person from a very nice family. My condolences to the Perich & O'Connell Family's. RIP Sweet Angel.
Sandra Zankowski
March 21, 2023
So sorry to read about your sad loss.
Our heartfelt condolences to the O´Connell family.
Michael, Sandy & Sarah Zankowski
Carol Barrett
March 21, 2023
Jo-Ann was so wonderful. She loved her entire family so much and shared so many wonderful stories. My condolences and prayers to all of you.
Dianne Ahern
March 21, 2023
I went to high school with Jo-Ann and our paths crossed in many ways since. I am deeply saddened and so very sorry for the loss of a wonderful and kind woman. My deepest sympathy to all of her family.
Ron Piecuch and family
March 21, 2023
Our Sincere sympathies in the loss of Jo ann. R.I.P.
Chris Tessier
March 21, 2023
Maggie, Anna, Peter and Gary - so sorry to hear this news. She dedicated her life to serving people and was so fun to be around. She was instrumental in so many ways to the Urology center at Elliot. What a genuinely caring person - she deeply impacted the lives of so many people as a nurse. And a proud and great mom too !
Bob and Terry Saucier
March 21, 2023
Our sympathies to family. Jo-Ann left us too soon.
Mike Cormier
March 21, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Vic Vachon
March 21, 2023
Gary and family was sadden to hear of Jo-Ann passing .
She was such a wonderful person and inspiration to many.
Please accept my condolences on her passing and May she rest in peace .
Vic Vachon
Marie Roby
March 21, 2023
I worked with Jo-Ann for 17 yrs. what a wonderful person and caring my condolences to everyone
Patricia E Maibauer
March 21, 2023
God Bless you and your family. I remember some of our chats when you came to HR and your smile.
Matthew Gendron
March 20, 2023
I knew and worked with Joanne for 35 years. A wonderful person and a caring nurse, every moment of the day. The world will miss her and what she brought to everyone. Sincere wishes for her remembrance.
cindy mills
March 20, 2023
Jo Ann and I worked very closely for a few years. She was always helpful and supportive, ready to listen and always had my back. We shared alot about work and family and I know how deeply she loved her family and they always came first in her heart. She was caring, intelligent and ever so funny! You will be missed Jo!!
Sherry Paradis
March 20, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to Jo-Ann's family. Paul & Sherry Paradis
Cathy Murphy
March 20, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of Jo's passing. She was instrumental in helping me secure a position as a surg tech in the OR. We had worked together while she was a nurse in the ED and I was in admitting. She certainly was a caring and kind person. I know she will be greatly missed.
Renee Hudon
March 19, 2023
Gary, Maggie, Anna & Peter, I am so sorry for your loss! Jo-Ann was a great friend and boss. She was always there when you needed something. She babysat my kids. She watched my dog & then the dog repaid her by escaping & being chased all over Deerfield by you guys. She was always there to listen. She will be missed!
Carol Armstrong
March 19, 2023
Gary, Peter, Maggie, Anna ~ I am so sad to hear of Jo-Ann's passing. My thoughts are with each of you at this time. Jo-Ann will be greatly missed. She was an amazing woman and beautiful soul.
Pam Gerow
March 19, 2023
Maggie, Anna, Peter and Gary I am very sorry to hear of Jo-Anns passing. We had so much fun with her during our years leading Girl Scouts together. She was fun, we laughed so much and I will never forget her singing "opra" as loud as she could. Good memories that I will never forget. Thinking of all of you.
Susie and family Richer Benoit
March 19, 2023
Joann was an amazing woman in so many ways. We feel very luck to have had her in our family. No words can express our sympathy to her beautiful children and my cousin Gary. She will be forever in our hearts.
Audrey Nelson
March 19, 2023
I went to high school with Jo-Ann. We ran track together. She was also one of the nurses who cared for my grandmother at Elliot hospital. I am forever thankful for how she treated my Grammy. Much love and sympathy to the family.
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537 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
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