Joan Connolly, 83

A. Joan Connolly, 83, of Bryan, OH and formerly of Montpelier, OH passed away on Monday August 5, 2013 after battling cancer for several years.

Born on November 2, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the daughter of Horace Daniel and Audrey Beryl (Annable) Fish.  She married William J. Hofbauer in 1950 in Royal Oak, Michigan and he preceded her in death in April 1975.  Joan was married in 1973 in Sarasota, FL to Walter L.  Connolly, who passed away in November 1990.

Mrs. Connolly is survived by her three sons and their families:  Bob (Pat) Hofbauer of Montpelier and daughter Katrina Hofbauer of Lake Placid, NY; Greg (Karen) Hofbauer of Plymouth, MI and daughter Katie (Clark) Saulsberry of Canton, MI and son Charles Hofbauer of Grand Rapids, MI; Tom (Brenda) Hofbauer of Bryan and sons Nick (fiance Jill Span) Hofbauer of Dublin, OH and Alex Hofbauer of Fayetteville, AR.  In addition, Joan was blessed with three great grandchildren; Kristina, Jack & Holly Saulsberry of Canton, MI.  Also surviving are her two brothers; Fred (Sharon) Fish of Overland Park, KS and Jim (Sue) Fish of Holly & Charlevoix, MI; step-son Bruce Connolly of Myrtle Beach, SC; step-daughter Linda (Johnny) Schnabel of Swansea, SC; along with many nieces and nephews.

Joan moved to Montpelier in the early 1950’s when the family business, Mohawk Tools, Inc., relocated from Hazel Park, MI.  She was a founding member of the Montpelier Civic League and the Williams County Playhouse, as well a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Montpelier.  In addition to volunteering with many organizations, such as the Red Cross, United Way and the Williams County Election Board, she worked at the Montpelier Village Hall until her retirement in 2004.  Joan was also well known for her love of cooking and decorating.

Funeral services, followed by a luncheon, will be held on Friday August 9th at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Montpelier with the Rev. David Tilly officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church at 10:00 am. A private burial will be held prior to the services at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier.  Thompson Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 114 W. Washington Street, Montpelier, Ohio  43543.