Connie M. Connell, 92, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Henderson County Retirement Center, Stronghurst, Illinois.
Connie was born March 26, 1933 in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of Paul A. and Martha Louise (Smith) Olson. She was raised and educated in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1951. She later attended the Bradley University Conservatory of Music in Peoria, Illinois.
She married Loren Conard in 1952. She later married James Douglas Connell in 1990, and he passed away on December 8, 2020.
Connie’s lifelong love of music led to many memorable opportunities. She performed as a marimba player at Soldier Field in Chicago and was a member of a 100-Marimba Band in Chicago in 1951. Her musical talents also took her to numerous fairs and events, including performances at the Chicago Railroad Fair.
Faith and service were important parts of Connie’s life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Gladstone, attended the First Christian Church of Monmouth, and later the Heritage Bible Church in Monmouth. She was deeply involved in church life, working with the Children’s Sunday School class and the Children’s Fellowship for 23 years and leading an Adult Bible Study class for 18 years. Connie enjoyed time with her family, gardening, and wintering for 17 years with her husband in Arizona.
Survivors include her children, Tammy (Todd) Conard Patterson of Rockford, Illinois, Torrey (Patricia) Conard of West Chicago, Illinois, and Tab (Candy) Conard of Monmouth, Illinois; stepchildren, Jim (Vicky) Connell of Monmouth, Illinois, Steve (Amy) Connell of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Linda (Jim) Lee of Surprise, Arizona, Pamela (Peter) Gransee of Chandler, Arizona, and stepdaughter-in-law Brenda Dulaney Connell of Spring Lake, Michigan; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doug Connell; son, Tyrone Conard; stepsons, Dan Connell and Larry Connell; and one great-granddaughter, Ariana Inman.
A private family celebration of life will be held at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, Illinois.
Memorials may be given to the Heritage Bible Church in Monmouth and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
