Joan Dolores (Wasielewski) Musser
Joan Dolores Musser, age 83, passed away on March 29, 2024, following a courageous battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Joan passed away at Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Erie, PA, with her three children by her side.
Joan was born in Erie, PA on July 29, 1940. She graduated from St. Benedicts Catholic High School in 1958, and she recently attended her 65-year class reunion.
Early in life, Joan was an active member of St. Stanislaus and was married there to her late husband, Edwin K. Musser. She also attended St. Mark’s Parish where she raised her family and was active in many committees. Joan loved being with her family and friends, as they were center in her life. She was truly the best example of a proud mom and grandmother, which was exemplified by being their #1 fan, cheerleader, and supporter. She especially enjoyed watching her grandsons play baseball, as well as her granddaughters at dance recitals. You could always hear her in the stands cheering them on.
A big part of Joan’s life was sports. She loved most sports but especially loved playing tennis, golf, and bowling. Throughout her life, she earned many trophies competing. Her competitive spirit gave her energy, and she used that energy not just in sports but also in card games. She learned all her card strategies from her mother. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family her whole life. She was in a poker club for almost 60 years with her besties and her Sunday card club. Mom always looked forward to playing cards; it truly was one of her favorite activities.
Joan will be remembered for having an unwavering pride for her Polish heritage, a big part of which was her polka dancing and her cooking. Her perogies, meatballs, nut roll, and pancakes were some of her best. Here recipes were always handmade – with love and family tradition.
Joan is survived by her loving children; Kathleen A. Connell (Thomas Joseph Connell) of Erie, PA, Brian S. Musser (Perry Winkler) of Penfield, PA, and Karen J. Musser of Meridian, ID. She is further survived by her grandchildren; Thomas E. Connell (Shelby Connell), Michael J. Connell (Jordan Miles), Olivia G. Bogacki (Nick Bogacki), Valerie A. Connell, and her great grandchild, John Thomas Connell. Joan is also survived by her brother in-law, Raymond Musser and many nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Edwin Kenneth Musser; her daughter, Sandra Joan (9 months old); her parents, Stanley and Helen (Budzinski) Wasielewski; her parents in-law, Elden and Florence (McAllister) Musser, and her brothers, Richard, and Edward Wasielewski.
Following Joan’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private Mass with her family and friends will be held to commemorate and celebrate her life.
The family requests memorial contributions to be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, and the Lymphoma Research Foundation.