June 20, 1957 – December 7, 2023
Jo Ann (Varney) Connolly, a resident of Reading for over 60 years, passed away at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center after a brief illness on December 7, 2023. She was 66 years of age. Jo was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, on June 20, 1957, and was the daughter of the late James J. and Geraldine (Brown) Varney. Jo Ann attended Reading Memorial High School and proudly graduated as a member of the class of 1975.
Jo was undoubtedly the kindest soul. She was loving, sweet, and highly empathetic. She saw the best in every individual and helped them see it in themselves. Not only was Jo incredibly caring, she was a unique talent. From an early age, Jo was an extraordinary seamstress and embroiderer. She owned the nationally-recognized embroidery firm Garden of Daisies, specializing in digitizing and embroidering incredibly complex designs. Jo Ann authored “Sweet Stitches” and was a contributing writer to “Classic Sewing” magazine. She also educated both children and adults in sewing and crafts. Her creations were unbelievable.
Of all the things Jo was, she was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Jo was the beloved wife of 44 years to Paul F. Connolly. Together they had two beautiful daughters, Jessica L. and Rebecca A., whose bond with their mother was unbreakable. Jo Ann also considered their husbands, Geoffrey Lucius and Mark Palladino, to be her very own revered sons. Jo Ann spent many happy times “up north” with her best friend and sister Jan MacKay (and her late husband Ed) and her cousin Kate Ricci (and her husband Mike). She is also survived by brother Jeff Varney and his wife Diane of Tilton New Hampshire. Jo was the cherished dog-mom and aunt to Gracie, Lexie, and Billie. She is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends all of whom will miss her bright smile, her wicked sense of humor and her fierce love for each and every one of them.
Funeral services and burial will be private and there are no calling hours.
