Joan A. McConnell, special-ed teacher

Joan Ann McConnell, 50, of Cinnaminson, a former special-education teacher in Burlington City, died of a rare muscle-disabling disease Wednesday, Aug. 7, at her home.

Miss McConnell graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia and earned a bachelor's degree in special education at what is now Rowan University in 1987.

Her 20-year teaching career in the Burlington City School District was spent at Capt. James Lawrence Elementary School and then Wilbur Watts Intermediate School, her brother, Jerry, said.

"She loved children," he said. "She always had a warm spot for children with special needs."

Miss McConnell was diagnosed when she was 40 with Pompe disease, which the National Institute of Neurological Disorders describes as an "inherited and often fatal disorder that disables the heart and skeletal muscles."

"She taught as long as she could until it got to the point that she couldn't do it anymore," her brother said. "She couldn't walk up steps."

For 10 years before her illness, Miss McConnell also taught children during their portion of Sunday Masses and, on weekday evenings, she taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes.

An Ocean City, N.J., homeowner for 25 years, her brother said, "she loved the Shore."

Besides her brother, Miss McConnell is survived by her mother, Joan, and nieces, nephews, and grandnephews.

A life celebration was set from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at Snover/Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 N., before a Funeral Mass at 10:30 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Branch Pike and Pomona Road, Cinnaminson, with interment to follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Donations may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Scholarship Fund, 2226 Riverton Rd., Box 2220, Cinnaminson, N.J. 08077.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.inglesbygivnish.com..