Obituary of Joan F. Connelly

Connelly, Joan nee Geitz, 73, of Woodbury, gently passed away on June 10, 2008 Joan was born in Woodbury NJ where she was a lifelong resident. After graduating from Woodbury High School, she pursued a career with the Bell Telephone Company Verizon and worked there for 40 years. As a telephone operator she was known for her customer attention and received an award for the "operator with a sparkle in her voice." She became active in the work of the Telephone Pioneers of America and also loved volunteering for the GirlsMatter Club in Marlton, NJ. Her creativity in art, greeting card design, and cooking and "ice cream" flower sundaes revealed her desire to help others. Joan's greatest and primary passion in life was her family. She loved tanning and crabbing in summers at Ship Bottom and Seaside Heights, dressing up for Halloween, Keyword, Canasta and all word games. She was extremely proud of her heritage and was the family historian who knew it all or would find out. Whenever she spent time with the children they delighted in her playing with them, teaching them how to draw bunnies, and plant flowers especially pansies because "they have faces". Traveling out West was one of her favorite memories. Her love of dogs is remembered by Goldie, Lucky, Max, Zoe and Zane. Humor and laughter was one of her strengths. Joan is survived by her beloved son Donald Connelly Vanessa, and loving grandson, Jason Weiser. Caring Aunt Joan to nieces and nephews great and great-great. Joan and her brother, Donald H. Geitz, choose to travel to heaven together for a family reunion with Elaine, Bill, Claire, Michael Rowland and their parents Michael and Clara Geitz. The food, fun and laughter will be heard from the sky. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at The Shady Lane Nursing Home for the care and understanding you gave Joan. A memorial gathering will be on June 30TH at 9:00-10:00 in the MCGUINESS FUNERAL HOME 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury. Tributes and memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com