FORT EDWARD – “Nana” JoAnn (Welch) O’Connell, a beacon of joy and the embodiment of family love, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, and her beloved fur babies, Rocky and Soonner, on May 28, 2024, at the age of 83, after a short but courageous battle with Cancer. Cancer ravaged her body, but it never took her sparkling, unfiltered attitude away, and I’m sure she burst through the Gates of Heaven, with her wit and sense of humor, holding the hands of Jimmy and Timmy as they brought her home. JoAnn was known for constantly cracking jokes ,and her comebacks were quick and witty. The very thought of her brings a smile to your face, everywhere she went , you could rely on her to bring fun and a positive attitude to any situation. Her spirit was captivating and made her the life of every gathering, warming the hearts of everyone she met. You never knew what inappropriate thing she would blurt out. That was Nana!
JoAnn was born on April 29, 1941, to Melvin and Katherine Welch. She was a Communicant of Saint Joseph’s Church. She graduated from Fort Edward High School. JoAnn loved to bowl, gamble, play pool, play games on her phone, face time the kids, travel, camping, shopping on TEMU, cook outs, dancing, family parties and an occasional night at Sullys West drinking her Fireball and Miller light.
She was an avid San Fransisco 49ers fan. JoAnn was a hard worker her whole life, actually four weeks ago she still babysat her great great granddaughter 5 days a week. JoAnn was the heart of the family, a mother whose love had no bounds, and a grandmother whose laughter and playful antics will be deeply missed by all her grandchildren, with whom she shared countless unforgettable moments, JoAnn’s love for life was infectious, and her ability to light up a room was unparalleled. JoAnn always put others before herself, she had the most generous heart and touched many lives with her captivating personality. The family finds solace that her sparkling essence will forever be reflected in the lives of those she cherished. Her laughter, her joy in simple pleasures, her unwavering support will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends. JoAnn’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the purest delight in the company of those she called family. She was adored by her community and friends.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Katherine Welch, her husband, Willis K O’Connell, her sister, Patricia Faucett, her sons, James and Timothy McDonald and her grandson, Jesse McDonald
She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (David ) Maye; her, son, William O’Connell; her sister, Barbara (Richard) Smith; her brother, Thomas (Joan) Welch; JoAnn’s most treasured possessions were her Grandchildren, and she always said, “they are not step, not half, not adopted, they are just family”, grandchildren, Ashley (Darrin) Mulholland, Zachary (Andrea) Mulholland, Andrew Wells, Skylar (Dylan) Sipowicz, Vanessa (Wes) Lyle, Zoe O’Connell, Tiana (Jason) Tranowicz, Richard (Rebecca) Wells and Diane Stanley, Tyler O’Connell; great grandchildren, Maliyah Moloney, Kayden and Rebecca Charland, Lyllei Tranowicz, Evelyn and Jax Mulholland, Priscilla Wells, Archie Casey, Atticus, Americus, Zayden and Zola Lyle; great great granddaughter; Onaleigha Moloney;
sister in law Sharon Hall; and several nieces and nephews and cousins
JoAnn’s calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 5 to 7 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Burial Services will be at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 10 am.