JoLane Cecconi

JoLane Brant Cecconi, a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, transitioned to heaven on April 3, 2025, after a nearly 20-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease—a struggle that tested her resilience yet never diminished her spirit. Born on April 25, 1940, in New Freeport, PA, to Freda (Whipkey) Brant and Ronald E. Brant, JoLane lived a remarkable life defined by service, family, and an unshakable commitment to her values.

The youngest of two children, she attended a one-room schoolhouse before her family relocated to Penn Township, PA. There, she excelled at Penn Joint High School as an honor student, head cheerleader, May Queen, and spirited sock hopper. She continued her academic success at Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University), graduating with honors and earning her RN degree. JoLane began her career as a public health nurse until the birth of her first child led her to embrace full-time motherhood—a role she excelled in naturally.

JoLane met Peter Cecconi, through mutual friends in Greensburg, PA, and they married on October 6, 1962, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. It was well known that JoLane and Pete prioritized their marriage and referred to themselves as best friends. Together, they raised seven children: Dana Leech (Doug), Amanda Cecconi (Randy Thompson), Mira Tavera (Hector), Peter B. Cecconi (Jennifer), Samantha Shewalter (Paul), Marcus Cecconi (Jackie), and Dante Cecconi (Hilary). Though capable of pursuing various careers, JoLane chose to invest her energy and love in her family the causes she cherished, shaping the lives of her children, 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and countless community members.

A devout Catholic, JoLane’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. After her children started school, she attended daily Mass, served as a Eucharistic Minister, delivered communion to the homebound, served on the Parish Council at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and led numerous Bible studies. She raised her children to know Jesus and lived her faith through action. A fierce advocate for life, JoLane was a decades-long member of Pennsylvanians for Human Life (PHL), serving as president as well as leading bus trips to the March for Life in Washington, DC.

She also founded Mom’s House, a nonprofit daycare supporting single parents in completing their education and developing parenting skills. Starting from humble kitchen-table beginnings, she spent hours securing a facility and fundraising to realize the mission. JoLane remained its heart, inspiring board members and volunteers and through these efforts, her legacy of love and service extended far beyond her family.

Beyond her external work, JoLane tirelessly supported her husband’s architectural firm, which grew from a home-based office with her love and encouragement. In recent years, she and Peter traveled the world, visiting family and touring with their children, eventually moving to Raleigh, NC, in 2020 to be near five of their seven children and many grandchildren. She delighted being in close proximity to her grandchildren who spoiled her with chocolate and other sweet treats.

JoLane was preceded in death by her parents, Freda and Ronald Brant, and her brothers, Jerry and Jay Brant. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 62 years, Peter P. Cecconi, Jr., her seven children, 18 grandchildren—Joshua Zerkel (Morgan), Aaron Zerkel, Meghan Zerkel Fields (Will), Jacob Zerkel, Marinda Cauley, Fiona Cauley, Liam Cauley, Hector Tavera, Giovanna Tavera, Brant Cecconi, Amelia Cecconi, Frank Shewalter, Joseph Shewalter, Michael Shewalter, Mimi Cecconi, Maeve Cecconi, Luca Cecconi, and Lina Cecconi—and three great-grandchildren, Adelaide Zerkel, Otto Zerkel, and Hadley Fields.

A private family Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Raleigh, NC. A Memorial Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online at The National Christian Foundation/The JoLane Fund supporting pro life causes.

JoLane Cecconi’s life was a testament to love, faith, and service—it was indeed wonderful life that has inspired all who knew her.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”

- Matthew 25:21