Josephine Theresa Mangan

Josephine Theresa Mangan (nee O’Connor) of McDonough, Georgia tragically passed away on August 13th, 2024. Jo was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1966 to Joseph and Eileen O’ Connor and is one of five siblings. She graduated from Our Lady of Mercy secondary school in 1984, was accepted into Jervis Street Hospital, and trained as a registered general nurse. It wasn’t all work and no play for Jo, especially after a fateful trip to London that introduced her to the love of her life, Martin.

Following her graduation in 1987, Jo moved to London to be with Martin and continue her education at St. Mary’s Hospital. There, she became a registered midwife and participated in countless shenanigans with her friends. On July 28th 1990, they married and were eager to start their journey toward the American dream. Jo and Martin emigrated to the United States in 1993, settling in McDonough, Georgia. Soon after, she gave birth to two beautiful daughters, Rhianon in 1995 and Ciara in 1997.

She often said, “being a Mom was my greatest blessing.” She served as room Mom for every school year, a cheer Mom, and theater Mom, seated in the front row of Ciara’s high school productions. Seeing both her daughters graduate from college brought her great pride, and she instilled in her daughters integrity, compassion, courage, and resiliency. She always opened her home and heart to her daughter’s friends who lovingly called her “Mama Jo.” She loved her pets. Jo, known as “Mimi” to them, was always known for spoiling her “grandchildren” every chance she got. Many fur babies were strays rescued by her children, who knew their mom would never turn them away.

Jo worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse for over 30 years at South Fulton Medical Center, Southern Regional, and most recently at Emory University Hospital Midtown. Jo felt it was an honor to care and advocate for the world’s most vulnerable patients. Her colleagues described her as brilliant and blessed with compassion, skill, understanding, and empathy. She passed her passion for nursing to her daughter, Rhianon, who works in the emergency room. In addition to nursing, Jo acted as the general manager of her husband's air conditioning business, MGM Heating and Air. She enjoyed finance, both on the business ledger and rolling her dice on the stock market.

Jo valued her friendships and easily made friends everywhere she went. Her humor, quick wit, and always being up for a good time were her hallmarks. She never missed a birthday, her arms and ears were always open. She recently developed a keen interest in off-roading and spent many weekends getting covered with dirt alongside friends in Tennessee and Alabama. When she wasn’t getting covered in dirt, she could be found getting pampered at the beauty salon or spa with her close friends. She loved traveling, and was always keen to find good deals on cruises and flights. She gained her American citizenship in 2023 and called herself a proud American.

Jo’s final gift was the gift of life as an organ donor. She believed that “it's no good to me when I’m gone, so someone else should benefit”. Numerous people will benefit from her selflessness.

Jo is survived by her loving husband Martin and daughters Rhianon, partner Justin, and

Ciara. Her sister and brother-in-law Mary and Vincent in Scotland, and their children Eoin, Stephen, and Caitriona, brother-in-law Christopher and Veronique in London, and their children Shannon and Jack and brothers Timothy, Declan and Rory in Ireland and England.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Friday August 30th, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm at The Gallery at 136 Hood Street, McDonough, GA, 30253. Please wear colorful attire, per Jo’s request.