Joanne Marie Connellan

Joanne Marie Connellan (née Bolzan) passed away on January 4, 2026, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, at the age of 85. She was born on April 19, 1940, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, to Joseph and Josephine Bolzan.

Joanne worked over the years at Aer Lingus (where she met her husband), Trindle Travel, Bisys, and later at the Cumberland County Courthouse. Through her work, her children’s schools, and the life she built with Carl, she formed friendships that extended well beyond home. She loved traveling with friends, especially trips to Rehoboth Beach, and spending time together on getaways that often revolved around golf. One of her favorite places was Black ’n’ Bleu, where she and Carl were regulars and were treated like family.

Joanne loved her garden and delighted in birds. She kept her feeders full, even though this guaranteed ongoing battles with squirrels who refused to respect boundaries. Her garden also meant frequent stand-offs with rabbits who seemed determined to undo her careful planting. Many afternoons ended on the back porch with a glass of wine, watching the garden and the birds she enjoyed so much. At Christmas, she was known for her Styrofoam Cookies, a tradition that people counted on and remembered her for.

She is survived by her children, Siobhan Connellan and Brian Connellan, and by her daughter-in-law, Michele Connellan. She was a devoted grandmother to Liam and Madelynn Connellan, who brought her great happiness and pride. Joanne is also survived by her sister, Marie McCandless; her nephews, Sean McCandless (Laura) and Darren McCandless (Crystal); and her niece, Maura DeLuca (Brian).

Joanne was predeceased by her sister, Connie Bolzan. Her husband, Carl Connellan, to whom she was married for 59 years, died in October 2024. When she joined him in heaven, it would surprise no one if his first question was what took her so long to get there, quickly followed by “what’s for dinner?”

All are welcome to join Joanne’s family at her viewing on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; and her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Reverend Matthew G. Smith celebrating. Joanne’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 766-3421 (next to the funeral home), immediately following Mass.

Donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?fr_id=111729&pg=personal&px=3863241