Joan O'Connell

View Memorial Photo TributeJoan O'Connell age 77 slipped away peacefully on Wednesday August 13 2008 with her family by her side. Joanie was born March 6 1931 in Lakewood Ohio to William Bader and Myra Lee Bader. She was the youngest of the vibrant and close-knit Bader clan. She brought a hearty laugh a celebrative spirit and a mighty heart to all who knew her. She went to St. Clements's grade school and subsequently graduated from St. Augustine's Academy in 1949 where she was a member of the school chorus and their championship volleyball team. She then attended St. John's Hospital School of Nursing where she received her nursing diploma. Joanie was passionate about being a nurse devoting 55 years of her life to alleviating the suffering of friends and strangers. She started her nursing career in Hammond Indiana before moving to Highland Park Illinois and then to Parma Ohio before giving 30 years of devoted service to the patients at Akron General Medical Center. As proud as Joanie was about being a nurse her first love was her family. She was a huge fan of her four children her siblings her beloved grandchildren and her husband Kevin who passed away in 2005. She was famous for her knack of finding the most unusual and thoughtful treasures to give as gifts to those she loved. The twinkle in her eye was the window to her soul revealing her love of life her profound joy and her abiding faith in the good of people. Those who knew Joanie know that a bright light has been diminished with her passing. She is survived by her four children and grandchildren: Tim O'Connell son daughter-in-law- Nancy O'Connell and eldest granddaughter Katie O'Connell; O.C. O'Connell daughter daughter-in-law Erin Denholm and twin granddaughters Madeline and Claire O'Connell; Dennis O'Connell son daughter-in-law Holly Barkdoll; Christopher O'Connell son daughter-in-law Beth O'Connell grandchildren Kayla O'Connell Jordan Remmy and Joelle Remmy. Joanie also leaves behind her siblings and in-laws Bill & Joyce Bader Mary Ball Gorman Tom and Alice Bader Jim and Pat Bader and countless nieces nephews and friends. Loved ones may call Monday August 18 from 4 to 8 pm at the Hummel Funeral Home (500 E. Exchange St.). The Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Tuesday August 19 at 10:30 am at St. Sebastian Catholic Church 476 Mull Avenue Akron. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hospice of VNS Care Center 3358 Ridgewood Road Akron OH 44333.