Joanne L. Connolly, a circulation clerk at the North Royalton branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, made friends around the world through Internet forums for Bruce Springsteen fans.

The Strongsville resident died of complications from a brain tumor Nov. 28, 2010. She was 49.

Connolly, who was born in Newark, N.J., frequented such Springsteen-friendly websites as GreasyLake.org to share stories about concerts and studio sessions. She also traded bootlegged copies of live concerts, which are not commercially available.

She met many of her online pen pals in person at Springsteen concerts and tailgate parties at such places as The Q in Cleveland, Giants Stadium in New Jersey and Hershey Park in Hershey, Pa.

Connolly, who was known to tell fellow "Bruce's Friends" about her family, spent even more time supporting her children's activities.

She volunteered at Kinsner Elementary School and with its PTA. She got involved with Brownies and Girl Scouts. She was a regular at Strongsville High School track and cross country meets and attended band concerts.

Her intense love of reading made her a natural for her library job.

Connolly was born in Newark, N.J., and lived in Strongsville since 1995. She worked at the North Royalton library branch for five years.

"She was a very, very avid reader," said her husband, Joe. "She'd knock out some books in a day. The library was right up her alley."

In addition to her husband, survivors include her children, Michael, Megan and Catherine; and sister, Jacqueline Matthews.

Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Strongsville.

Memorial donations may be made to Southwest Hospice Residential Fund, 18659 Drake Road, Strongsville 44136.

Arrangements were by Jardine Funeral Home of Strongsville.