Kathleen McConnell
What do you remember about Kathleen? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Kathleen Marie McConnell, age 69, of Onaway, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 7, 2020. Born on August 20, 1951 in Cheboygan, Kathy was the daughter of LZ and Marian Brewbaker. She was a 1969 graduate of Onaway High School and graduated Michigan State University in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in business. After their graduation from MSU, Kathy married the love of her life, Jerry McConnell.
Kathy was well known by many for rebuilding and successfully running Brewbaker's Furniture for 35 years with her husband Jerry and sons; coining the phrase "Nobody sells for less guaranteed!" Advertising was her niche along with television, newspaper, and public relations. While known for her savvy business skills Kathy was known by many more for her kind spirit and ability to learn everything about a person in 5 minutes or less. Kathy put Christ first and enjoyed regularly attending Bible studies, small groups, and the infamous 'cluck club.'
Kathy made health a priority and loved to be active. She enjoyed biking, dancing, walking, running, and pickleball. Her activities included running a 15K, white-water rafting, biking the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains of Spain, and repelling a 145-foot cliff. Kathy also loved to travel. Her travels included places such as Israel, Rome, Greece, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Portugal, and France.
Kathy will be most remembered for her love for the Lord, her husband, children, and grandchildren. She always built people up and was everyone's cheerleader. She was loud, vibrant, and had a vivacious smile. She was always over-the-top with her love, gifts, and generosity.
Surviving Kathy is her husband Gerald McConnell; sons Michael (Lindsey) McConnell and Jason (Debbie) McConnell; grandchildren Mitchell, Logan, Jade, Amelia, and Makenzie; mother Marian Brewbaker; sister Robyn (Mark) Badgero; brother Jack (Jeannie) Brewbaker; sister-in-law, Robin Brewbaker; and many nieces and nephews.
Kathy was preceded in death by her father LZ Brewbaker; brother Rodney Brewbaker; and niece Valerie Badgero Booth.
Visitation will be held at Chagnon Funeral Home in Onaway on Thursday November 12, 2020 and Friday November 13, 2020 from 4-8 p.m. Kathy's funeral will be held at Forest Township Community Hall in Tower on Saturday November 14, 2020 at 11 a.m. Following her funeral will be a graveside service held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Onaway. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Kathy to God Squad, c/o Robyn Badgero 7490 S. County Line Rd., Onaway, Michigan 49765. Kathy was the first one to donate to God Squad seeing the need to invest in, and foster children's relationship with the Lord.