Obituary of Joni O'Brien

On January 15th 2022 Joni Lynn O'Brien went home to be with the Lord. She was surrounded by family and friends. Welcoming her to heaven were her mother Dorothy and father John, her big brothers John and Kenny, her sister Lucille, Chick and Viola Whitesall, and nephew Kenny. Joni is survived by her Sister-in-Laws Andrea and Louise, best friends Heather McManus and Diane Sorantino, nieces and nephews Walter Cox, John Cox, Mike O'Brien (Bridgett), Matt O'Brien (Sally), Timothy O'Brien (Pauline), Patrick O'Brien, Kathleen Harshbarger (Mark), Louise Cabe (Jeff), Eileen Jenkins (Jeff), and Maureen Morris (William). She will also be missed by her great nieces and nephews (Brandon, Jordan, Peyton, Mason, Aidan, Liam, Donovan, Owen, and Evan). Joni was also blessed to have the Whitesalls, including Donna (George) and Chickie (Wanda), Josh, Little Donna, and Brittany, who she lovingly referred to as family. Joni also leaves behind her fur babies Danny Boy and Gizmo. Joni was a proud "Spirit of '76" graduate of Pennsville Memorial High School. She loved field hockey and was a Nonnie for life! She was always proud of her hometown and very committed to making sure Pennsville would be a great place to live for years to come. Joni was a member of the Economic Development Committee and Planning Board. She believed the Riverview Beach Park was a "gem" and never missed a "Christmas in Riverview". She loved animals and gave endlessly to and volunteered with the Salem County Humane Society. She also volunteered for Pennsville Little League for many years, not letting her MS deter her from going on the field and coaching "her kids". Because of her involvement in her beloved town, her impact on the lives of many will be felt for years to come. Joni attended Drexel University for civil engineering. She always talked about her RK&K family and how much she loved them. She was very proud of her recent projects at the Wilmington waterfront and the 301 extension. Joni loved life. So much brought joy to her like her red Jeep. She had a diverse taste and love for music, including Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Billie Holiday, Bonnie Raitt, and James Taylor. She had a deep appreciation for her Irish heritage and a sip of Jameson. She was forever reading about JFK and loved the American Flag. Joni was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis years ago but didn't let it deter her. Her determination to fight and stay strong was an inspiration to all who knew her. She recently rode her Peloton bike to her 600th ride. Her recent cancer diagnosis still did not affect her outlook on life or the care she showed for those around her. Most of all Joni fiercely loved her friends, her "softball kids and their families", but nothing compared to the love she had and the time she spent with her family. Joni was loved by many for the kindness she showed to all. The greatest lesson she leaves us…is to show kindness to each other…starting with ourselves. There will be a mass of Christian burial on Saturday January 22nd at St. Gabriel the Arch Angel Parish at 11:00am. Burial of cremains will follow at the Lawnside Cemetery, Woodstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joni's name to the Pennsville Challenger League at Pennsville Little League or the Salem County Humane Society.