Donnelly, Joanne, S., 79, of Atria Bay Spring, Bay Spring Avenue, formerly of Algonquin Road, Rumford, died peacefully on Wednesday January 26, 2011 at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Stephen F. Donnelly Jr.

Born in Fall River, MA, a daughter of the late Joseph and Marie (Blanchette) Smith, she lived in Barrington for 2 years, Swansea, MA for 10 years, Rumford for 30 years and wintered in Clearwater, FL.

Mrs. Donnelly was a copy editor for the Providence Journal Co. in the late 1970’s and a reporter for the Pawtucket Times for 20 years before retiring in 1996.

Joanne was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island Class of 1977 and was a member of the Phi Betta Kappa Society.

Mrs. Donnelly was a communicant of St. Luke Church. She was a devoted Providence College Basketball Booster.

She is survived by four sons; Stephen F. Donnelly III of East Providence, Barry J. Donnelly of Barrington, Jeffrey R. Donnelly of Barrington and Kevin R. Donnelly of Barrington, a sister; Marie Ann Bush of Arkansas, eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Her funeral will be held on Monday January 31, 2011 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 am. Burial will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

Calling hours are Sunday 3-6 pm. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Joanne’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI, 02886 would be deeply appreciated.