OREGON - Joan Donnelly passed away peacefully at age 81 in Madison on September 25, 2025.

She was born on January 19, 1944, in Belle Harbor, N.Y. Joan attended Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, N.Y., from 1957 to 1961, and graduated from the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y., in 1965 with a B.A. in English. On September 5, 1964, Joan married James S. Donnelly, Jr. Together they raised three daughters; Jennifer (1970–2015), Eileen (born 1974), and Elizabeth (born 1977).

In the early years of her marriage Joan worked as a bank teller and schoolteacher in Boston, Mass., helping to support her husband through graduate school at Harvard University from 1965 to 1969. For several years she taught at and helped manage Many Good Moments nursery school in Stoughton, Wis., where she and her family lived for three decades. Joan later worked for many years as a graphic designer at Knowledge Unlimited in Middleton.

She also spent extended periods of time in Ireland, especially in Dublin and Cork, conducting historical research with her husband from the late 1960s through the 2010s.

Joan was an avid reader, enjoyed watching movies with her film-buff husband, and had a love for all types of music. She was a talented and creative artist in many media who loved to design beautiful jewelry for herself and others.

Joan is survived by her husband James; daughters Eileen and Elizabeth; sons-in-law Jonathan Keogh and Jeffery Johnson; grandchildren Quinn Aibhlinn and Willa; siblings John (Donna) Murphy, Patricia Clements, Thomas (Cindy) Murphy, Peter (Debbie) Murphy, and Gina (Joseph) Finnerty; and sister-in-law Laureen (George) Joest.

As a devoted and loving spouse, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Joan will be long remembered with deep affection and sorely missed by all who knew her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025. Burial will be held at the Town of Dunn Burying Ground. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. Please join the family for Joan’s Celebration of Life, which will be held after the burial service, at ST. CHARLES STATION, 2951 Triverton Pike Drive, Fitchburg, from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to stay after and explore Ollie’s restaurant, sit outside on the patio and reminisce with family and friends. There will be appetizers served, along with an open bar for family and friends.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Joan Murphy Donnelly

January 19, 1944 - September 25, 2025

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