Marion Lucille Haskell (nee Connell)

Haskell, Marion Lucille (Connell)

Born December 23, 1941, 79, of Manchester, Mo, fortified in the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church on Sunday, January 10, 2021. Marion was born December 23, 1941 to the late John and Lucille Connell of Webster Groves, MO. She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, Gerald (Jerry), and her children Michael and Suzanne (Noonan) Haskell of Hoboken, NJ, Holly (Haskell) and Richard Chasnoff of University City, MO, Patrick and Colleen (Linehan) Haskell of Lloyd Harbor, NY, Megan Haskell Martin of St. Louis, MO, Timothy and Amy (Morgan) Haskell of Houston, TX, and Kevin and Katherine (Deacon) Haskell of Bronxville, NY. Most precious to Marion’s heart, she is also survived by her thirteen grandchildren: Andy, Jacob, Riley, Patrick Jr.(PJ), Breckan, James, Michael Jr.(MJ), John (Jack), Emry, Reagan, Lucy, Olivia and Theodore (Teddy). Loving sister to Mary June (Norman) Turek, Gloria Williams, the late Robert (Ethel) Connell, the late Joyce (John) Mullen, and the late Jack (Sallie/Barbara) Connell. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and so many more for whom her generous life touched their souls.

Marion was raised in Webster Groves, MO and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, class of 1960. She spent beloved time in the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet before the Lord called her to different work. After attending the nursing program at St. Louis University, Marion worked for several years before she met the love of her life, Jerry Haskell, a native of San Francisco, CA, and they were blessed with a family of their own. Marion and Jerry were parishioners of St. Joseph’s of Manchester for the entirety of their marriage. Their romance lasted more than fifty-two years before she was called to heaven, but it produced six children and thirteen grandchildren who are called to carry on Marion’s lifelong effort to provide a table for all who wish to join.

A parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Manchester for more than 55 years, Marion was a devout Catholic and, together with Jerry, deeply committed to Catholic education and parish life. She served as School Board President, PTA President, Sausage Supper Chairperson, among many other parish roles. She was also an active alumnae and champion of St. Joseph’s Academy, as well as St. Louis University High School and DeSmet Jesuit High School.

She was a fierce and deeply committed advocate for children and the dispossessed. She served many years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), seeking ways for abused or neglected children to find a safe, permanent home and opportunity to thrive. Marion also walked alongside those whose life was shattered by abuse and addiction, as well as their spouses and family, believing deeply in the power of reconciliation and living one day at a time.

Marion was a devoted wife, mother, and friend who endlessly strove to provide a loving table for all. Throughout her life, she was welcoming to all who needed a warm meal and an open ear. The countless friends and family who spent an evening at her dinner table know the warmth with which she opened her home and heart and the joy in which she offered both.

It is said that “Heaven is at the feet of Mothers” and indeed Marion’s children and grandchildren rest comfortably knowing that she no longer suffers this mortal coil, but instead shares in the richness and love of the everlasting life for which she had such deep faith. Those she leaves behind will find it difficult to fill the void of her absence but know that we all will join her at the Lord’s table in time.

Service: Visitation will be private, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am, Friday January 15, Please Join Livesteam at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Manchester. A private burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery will follow. A Memorial Mass and celebration for those that cannot travel or attend due to Covid restrictions will be announced later this year. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Louis CASA, www.stlcasa.org or CASA of St. Louis, 105 S. Central, St. Louis MO 63105, are appreciated. A service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.