Marjorie McCONNELL

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McCONNELL: The family of Marjorie Jean McConnell are very sad to announce that Jean passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016. Jean was born in 1927, to parents Eveline and Albert Kelly, and was raised in Hamiota along with her three sisters Ethel, Norah, and Lillian. Jean developed an early love for music and education, and set out to teach as a Manitoba Permit Teacher during the war years. Her other early love was a handsome young man named Verne McConnell. Their romance began in High School and they promised to marry when Verne returned from over seas after the war. They were married in 1946 and set out to farm and raise a family. Jean & Verne had three children: Dave, Chris, and Marla. The lumber and hardware business gave them opportunity in Roland, Birtle, Reston and Thompson, with Jean going back into teaching in 1968. While Jean was teaching in Thompson she worked as well on completing her Bachelor of Education degree from Brandon University. Jean & Verne retired to Brandon in 1987. Over the years Jean took on many different volunteer jobs, working with several organizations: Brandon Hospital Auxiliary, Nearly New Shop, Ladie’s Auxiliary for the Commonwealth Air Museum, Retired Teachers Association, I.O.D.E., and the Eckhart -Gramatte’ Music Competition Committee. For several years Jean very proudly conducted the Brandon Senior Song Birds Choir , and had many fond memories of the Music Programs they rehearsed and performed in Brandon. Jean loved order and beauty in all she did with their homes, the yards and gardens, floral arrangements, knitting , sewing, and her tiny porcelain shoe collection. Jean was a talented musician, beloved teacher, caring mother, grandmother, and fabulous cook. Her family was extremely important to her, and she was always very dedicated to attending her children's, and grandchildren's games, performances, birthdays and graduations. Remaining to cherish Jean's memory are: her children Dave (Wendy) McConnell, Chris (Glenda) McConnell, Marla (Barry) Perkins; grandchildren: Scott McConnell, Kerry (Ryan) Canada, Rinautta (Laird Gullett) McConnell, Christina Perkins, Thomas Perkins, and great- granddaughter Everly Canada. Also surviving are sisters Ethel Armstrong, Norah Mathison; brothers and sisters-in-law Joe Belczewski, Eula Woods, Red (Ruth) McConnell, Mick (Lloyd) Little, Maureen McConnell, Marie McConnell, Kent (Maureen) McConnell, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Verne McConnell; parents Albert and Eveline Kelly; sister Lillian Belczewski; brothers and sisters-in-law Barry Armstrong, Jim Mathison, Mavis (Ron) Bray, Nelson Woods, Jim McConnell, Morley McConnell; niece and nephews Lauree Duncan, Danny McConnell, and Wendel McConnell. The Ceremony to Celebrate Jean's Life took place at Memories Chapel on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 with Arlene Robertson officiating. Urn bearer was Scott McConnell. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Special thanks to Dr. Deong and the Palliative Care Unit at the Assiniboine Center for your excellent care and compassion, much appreciated by Jean and family. Donations in memory of Jean may be made to Myeloma Canada, 1800 Le Corbusier Blvd, Suite 138, Laval, QC H7S 2K1. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 23, 2016