Joanne Helen O'Connor, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Visitation: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, July 14, with Rosary recited at 4:00 p.m., and prayers to follow, Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 995 5th Avenue, Marion, Iowa 52302, with a private family visitation at 9:30 a.m. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Joanne was born on June 30, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Patrick and Helen (Kostal) Braden. She was united in marriage to Patrick O'Connor on April 30, 1966, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Joanne was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. She was strong in her faith. Joanne enjoyed gardening, traveling, helping people, and visiting with her family and friends.
Joanne is survived by her husband, daughter, Karen (Jason) Besler, granddaughter, Chloe Besler, and sister, Carolyn (John) Slavish.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter, Ann Marie O'Connor, siblings, Katherine Murphy, Rosemary McCann, and Bernard Braden.
Memorials may be made to:Steve. Joseph's Indian School P.O.Box 326 Chamberlin, SD 57326 (800)341-2235https://give.stjo.org/site/Donation
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Joanne's tribute wall and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
I have had the great privilege to call JoAnn and Patrick friends since I moved across the hall from them. She was so kind and sweet to me. I loved our visits together. And I loved that she really liked when I made her chicken salad! I will miss her. May her memory be a blessing.
Heaven just got a little brighter with you there.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Joanne O’Connor.
Joanne was an angel on Earth and she will be an angel in heaven!!!