Joan Eileen O'Connor Cychol

JOAN EILEEN O'CONNOR CYCHOL, 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Aug. 9, 2014, surrounded by her children. She was born on the 4th of July and as a small child believed the fireworks were a celebration of her birthday. She grew up in Peoria, Ill. attending St Cecilia's, the Academy of Our Lady, then graduating from Bradley University. Joan and John Cychol Jr., married in November of 1954. She leaves behind five children, John Cychol III of Southlake, Texas (wife Nancy), Cathi Shea of Dyersburg, Tenn., Carol Wrape of Little Rock (husband Bill Wrape), Patricia James of Little Rock (husband Robert James), and Judith VanPelt of Benton; grandchildren, Ryan and Nick Cychol, Franz and Colin Hayes, Caleb VanPelt and Connor and Josie Wrape. She lived a wonderful, full life doing the things she loved. She was a member of Chi Omega and served on the House Committee for many years at Bradley. She always enjoyed the many years she worked as the Dean of Girls at the Academy of Our Lady. She used her authority, compassion, and humor, intuitively knowing the correct balance for each unique situation. She traveled the world, read constantly, and loved watching old movies. After retiring and moving to North Little Rock in 1997, she and John designed and built their dream house. Joan enjoyed her eight grandchildren that lovingly referred to her as JoJo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Josephine (Grebe) O'Connor; husband, John Joseph Cychol Jr.; and grandson, John Joseph Cychol IV. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 noon, Wednesday, Aug. 13 at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Little Rock with Monsignor R. Scott Friend officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Aug. 12 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home with the Rosary services beginning at 7 p.m. Interment will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 14 at Mt. Holly Cemetery in Little Rock. The family would like to thank her loving and diligent caretakers, Lisa and Shonna, and Arkansas Hospice. Memorials may be made to St. Edward's Capital Campaign, 801 S. Sherman, Little Rock, Ark. 72202 and Our Lady of Fatima School, 900 W. Cross St, Benton, Ark. 72015. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (501)224-2200. Joan's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.