Joan O'Connor PENNINGTON Joan O'Connor (nee McMahon) passed away on Dec. 20, 2017, surrounded by her family, from complications associated with her chronic liver condition. Joan showed her generation of American-born Irish women how to enjoy some of the opportunities emerging for women in a fast-changing world, while respecting traditional family relationships and rituals. Her career was unique and included long stints as an investor, sales professional, amateur Irish dancer and community organizer. Joan inherited the wisdom of a value investor from her mother, Margaret Tiernan McMahon. The teddy bear Joan received from attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual General Meeting accompanied her to the hospital in the hopes that the "Punter of Pennington" would have another opportunity to channel the "Sage of Omaha's" investment advice. When Joan relocated from Emerson, NJ, to Maryland for Ed's "retirement job" at the FAA in Washington, D.C., the couple enjoyed the comradrie of Irish dancers, suburban walkers, new friends and an eclectic assortment of "interesting" people. Joan pursued an unconventional path to her last breath. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Ed, and her children, Margaret, Loretta, Ed, and Brian. Five grandchildren helped keep "Nanny" young at heart and hip to current trends through their WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram exchanges. A tea ceremony, honoring Joan's recent interest in Zen Buddhism and meditation, will be held at Turtle Back Zendo, 4 Alyce Court, Lawrenceville, NJ, today, Friday, Dec. 22, at 12 noon. An intimate church service for immediate family and local friends will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Pennington, NJ, Saturday, Dec. 23, at 9 a.m. Slainte!