Tammy Jo Connell

Dr. Tammy Jo Connell (Lavosky/Mitten), 65, passed away on April 24, 2025, at Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, the city where she was born on January 6, 1960. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to education, a passion for learning and helping others, and a vibrant spirit.

Tammy graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1978 and went on to earn her B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1982. She continued her academic journey with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1986 and later achieved her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University in 1996. Her dedication to learning and growth laid the foundation for a remarkable career that blended scholarship with service.

An ambitious academic and psychologist, Tammy served as a professor of psychology at Edinboro University for many years. She cherished the opportunity to teach and connect with her students. She also maintained a private practice where she provided therapy to children, teens, adults, and couples. Her insightful guidance made a lasting impact on those she counseled. Tammy was also a published writer and collaborator within the field of psychology. She spent hours researching and wrote numerous academic articles, essays, and books alongside fellow professionals. She was very driven to contribute to her field of study and had a love for learning.

Tammy loved to express herself through storytelling—writing plays for her neighborhood to perform when she was a kid and dreaming up ideas for children's books well into adulthood. In high school and college, Tammy also was captain of the cheerleading team—a role that reflected her energy and leadership. During college summers, she traveled across the country hosting cheer camps, sharing her enthusiasm with young athletes nationwide.

Tammy was known for her gift of gab and humor—she loved to talk, tell stories, and laugh. She valued time spent with family over good meals and meaningful conversation. As an avid animal lover, Tammy’s dogs also held a special place in her heart. They were constant companions who brought her comfort and happiness that she considered family.

Tammy found great joy in travel—especially beach destinations where she could relax by the water. She shared many memorable trips to Naples, Florida with her late husband Gary Connell, creating memories filled with sunshine and laughter.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Kaela Mitten; son Logan Mitten; stepsons Christian Connell and Aarin Connell; aunts Pam Minich and Donna Fugate; cousin Judith Johnston; and uncle Fred Bowser and her extended family and friends. Tammy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gary Connell; father Thomas Lavosky; and mother Dorothy Lavosky.

Tammy will always be remembered for her big heart, as she always cared for anyone she came into contact with. Her burial was held on April 25th, 2025 at Oakland Cemetery in Indiana, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made through her family to be donated at a later time. The family would also like to thank the staff of Hamot Hospital’s ICU for the care and compassion shown to our mother and the family through a difficult time, everything you do is so appreciated.