Teresa Ellen Connolly

Teresa Ellen Connolly, 78, died peacefully on July 9, 2026. She showed calm fortitude in the face of pancreatic cancer. Born September 22, 1947, in St. Louis, she was raised by her parents Patrick and Mary Connolly in the Dogtown neighborhood. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. James the Greater Catholic church, where she attended grade school. She was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy high school and Saint Louis University.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Jovanovich, with whom she ran the legendary Pat’s Bar & Grill (first opened by her father). A proud child of an Irish immigrant, she retained her maiden name and later added “Connolly” to the bar’s name to celebrate her cultural legacy. A testament to adaptability and pursuing one’s passions, she also had a fulfilling second career as a French teacher at Mehlville and McCluer North high schools. Bien joué!

She is survived by her son, Joe Jovanovich and his wife Lindsay; grandchildren Eleanor and Charlie; sister and brother-in-law Eileen and Mike Romney; sister-in-law Mary Beth McCallum; and nieces and nephew, Erin Galli, Elizabeth Ferguson, Yates McCallum and Heather McCallum. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and adventure – exemplified by her success as a businesswoman while raising a teenage son on her own, and her many travels throughout France and Europe.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring her generous spirit by donating to Peter & Paul Community Services (www.ppcsinc.org) or volunteer for a cause that helps those in need.

Visitation will be held at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109, US, on July 17, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 6401 Wade Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139, US, on July 18, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a Committal Service at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 MacKenzie Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123, US, on July 18, 2026, at 11:15 am.