Joanne O’Halloran

Feb 20, 2022 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2022 | 2 comments

Joanne was a woman of faith whose boundless heart could always expand to embrace one more soul. Her gentle, patient and selfless love lassoed an irrepressible Irish husband and shepherded and tamed six sons and three daughters. Her treasure was her time that she lavishly spent on family, friends and church community – tending, caring, volunteering, feeding, playing cards, loving. Whatever needed doing, Mom lent her hands and jumped in boots and all. She weaved joy, faith, fun and ritual into every day, undeterred by setbacks, unburdened by worry, confident all would work out fine. And when it didn’t, she would find a serendipitous blessing in the mess. To say Joanne saw the cup half full is an understatement; rather her lens saw an endless fountain to keep filling her cup from.

Joanne died February 18, 2022. She was born in Kansas City on August 20, 1931 to Teresa (Leifhelm) and Walter Murphy. She was preceded in death by two brothers Tom Murphy and Don Murphy and her husband, Vincent John O’Halloran, whom she married on June 9, 1956. She is survived by nine children: Thomas (Teresa) Lansing, MI; Shawn (Maryjane) Olathe, KS; Daniel (Janelle) Oak Grove, MO; Sharon (Dave) Johnson Chillicothe, MO; Brian (Julie) Kansas City, MO; Patrick Kansas City, MO; Sheila (Dean) Warren Conway, AR; Maureen (David) Rosenbloom Baltimore, MD and Vincent (Tiffany) Overland Park, KS.

Joanne leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with two more on the way: Meghan (Colin, Nathan), Victor; Kim (Skylar), Kevin (Jack); Scott, Brett (Luke, Chip, Zach), Steve; Riley, Tommy, Casey; Natalie, Alex; Sophie, Max, Phoebe; Sydney, Maddie, Holly.

Joanne grew up in St Therese Little Flower parish. After her father’s unexpected death when she was 6 years old, her mother started working, so Joanne and her brothers learned to keep house. She attended Bishop Hogan High School. Her first job was at Southwestern Bell in the teletype room. She traveled to most every US state and Canada as a young woman with her Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Joe Connors and later in life to New Zealand. Joanne and her brother Don saved up and bought a convertible in the 1950’s, which they treasured. Joanne met her husband, Vince O’Halloran, at a Hibernians Irish American Club picnic. Their honeymoon was spent at Niagara Falls and involved a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Sainte Anne-de-Beaupre in Quebec, Canada. Joanne and Vince were active parishioners of Christ the King Church (CTK) for 66 years. After raising nine “spirited” children, she entrusted them to the Jesuits at Rockhurst High and the Christian Brothers at Bishop O’Hara High School. Joanne volunteered at CTK school as a remedial math and reading tutor. With older relatives in need of assistance, Joanne pivoted to being a caregiver extraordinaire for numerous aunts and friends. She was an active member of the CTK Altar Society, a volunteer cook for CTK Senior Luncheons as well as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels through CTK.

A mass to celebrate Joanne’s amazing life will be held Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at St. Thomas More Parish 11822 Holmes Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64131. There will be a Rosary at 9:30am, followed by a visitation until 11:00am. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00am. The family will host a gathering after the mass. The burial is scheduled for 3:00pm at Mt Olivet Cemetery.

The Mass will be live-streamed at https://m.facebook.com/events/799250348134641/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels 7311 Maple Raytown, Mo 64133 or St Therese Little Flower Social Services 5814 Euclid. Kansas City, Mo 64130. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.

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Michael O’Halloran

1 year ago

To my dearest Aunt Joanne whom I always regarded as saintly and your family (my cousins) it is with a saddened heart I received the news of your passing.
I hold forever the fondest memories of our family visits to your home where you, Uncle Vince & your family always greeted us with the utmost hospitality and love. It was always an absolute blast to hang out with you & your family as we shared an abundance of family stories, humor, & refreshments.
Your spirit, faith, wisdom, humility, humor, and your life’s impactful legacy will continue to shine brightly through your wonderful family. I send supportive hugs, Peace and Love to all my Vince & Joanne cousins and your families.
Your nephew: Michael O’Halloran Chicago, IL

Timothy Flynn

1 year ago

As a college student I had many evenings being welcomed to the O’Halloran household. Joanne’s warmth and happiness was
Pervasive. Myself and friends always felt loved and appreciated. Food and drink was a delight, but it was the laughter, Irish wit, and kindness that burned so bright – just like Joanne’s smiles.

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