Obituary of Joanne O'Connor

It is with deep sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our angel, Joanne O’Connor, peacefully at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice with her loving family at her side on ­­­Friday August 3rd.   Joanne was the cherished wife of Regis O’Connor for 57 wonderful years, and the proud and beautiful mother to Frank O’Connor (Gail), Edie Anderson (Kevin), Laurie O’Connor (Kurt), and John O’Connor (Lisa).  Grandma Jo was a loving grandmother to Joshua (Felicia), Daniela(Bryan), Jasmine(Giancarlo), Adam,  Jamie, Emily(Brady), Taylor, Jakob, Mackenzie, Caitlin, Liam and Megan.  She was an adoring great grandmother to Farrah and Rhyan.  Joanne was the daughter of the late Edith and Max Belsito, and a very special granddaughter to the late Josephine and Antonio Scornaiencki, and the late Giuseppe Belsito.  Dear sister of the late baby Eugene, Roxianne Lloyd (late David), Maxine Belanger (Phil), and Tom Belsito(Cathy).  Joanne was the beloved sister in law to the late Rosemary O’Connor (late Jim Frazer), Sharon O’Connor (Ron Watters), Tom O’Connor (Elizabeth Meakes), John O’Connor (late Diane), Pat O’Connor (late Andrea), Kathleen O’Connor (Doug Holmes), and Dan O’Connor (Cheryl).  She was loved by her many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews who are spread out across North America.  Joanne was raised on Douglas Street, and her childhood love was skating on the outdoor rink, located just across the street, at David Kyle School.  Her father, Max, was the caretaker of that famous Soo rink.  Her ultimate love was her husband, Regis.  Together they traveled the world with their family and friends.  They hooked up old trailers to old stationwagons and saw Canada from coast to coast to coast.  Cooking raviolis or making gnocchis with her children, and just celebrating with good food, good wine and plenty of family and friends were her favourite moments in life.  She was the belle of the ball, and always the person we looked up to for guidance and direction.  She always had the right answer.  A lifelong and devout Catholic, Joanne was always active in parish life.  Giving quietly and generously to those in need ­­­was just simply her way of being.  The family invites one and all to share and remember the wonderful life of Joanne O’Connor at the Northwood Funeral Home.  Visitation is from 6pm to 9pm on Tues. Aug. 7th.  A funeral mass, officiated by Father Alex Saurianthadathil, will be held at St. Gerard Majella Parish on Wed. Aug. 8^th at 11am.  Internment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will follow the funeral mass.  Memorial contributions can be made to ARCH, or the SAH Foundation.  The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and health care professionals who became friends with Joanne over the many years of care.  The incredible experience at ARCH was beautiful because of a group of staff there who love people, and care passionately about their job.  We would especially like to thank our Aunt Kathleen and our Aunt Roxy who were there for mom in her time of need, and were always there for us.  God gave both of you the gift of caring for others.