Alison Connell

It is with great sadness that the family of Alison T. Connell announces her sudden and far too early passing. Alison passed away the morning of Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Topeka. She was 45.
Alison was born in Topeka, Kansas on July 27, 1979, and was raised in Lafayette, Colorado, but returned home to Topeka at age 19, where she had lived the past 26 years.
Alison worked as an Event Director and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) for Braden, Heidner, Lowe & Associates for the last seven years and thrived in her job helping organize and oversee large corporate events across the country. Prior to that she was a hotel sales manager at Topeka's Capitol Plaza Hotel. Alison thrived in her job in Topeka and on the road in a high pressure and often hectic job that she loved. She loved her job partly due to the exciting nature of the career, but more importantly because of the numerous coworkers and colleagues in Topeka and beyond that were such a vital part of her life.
-From Alison's work family at BHL:
"Alison was the event director for Braden Heidner Lowe & Associates, but she was a lot more than that to the team. The distinction between clients, partners, and friends seemed to disappear when Alison was involved. They all became one and the same to her. She took extreme ownership of the events she ran, which is probably why she developed so many friendships among the Braden Heidner Lowe & Associate clients. Alison was the "battery" of BHL. Wherever she went, she became the biggest source of energy. For all the skills and services, she provided, her laugh and her sense of humor was most important and appreciated. We're realizing how hard it is going to be to replace the enormous work contributions she made at Braden Heidner Lowe & Associates, but it will be a lot harder to replace her energy, wonderful personality and that laugh."
Away from work, Alison enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, enjoying dining, drinking, golfing and just plain having fun and enjoying life. Recently her parents moved from Colorado upon retirement, and she had taken great advantage of their new location to spend as much time as she could with them.
Alison's matter of fact attitude and make it happen style assured she was always surrounded by friends who enjoyed the light she brought to their lives. As you read about Alison, you can surely hear her voice telling you how it is and smile a little through the tears as you remember the good times.
At home, Alison's special roommate was her furbaby, Lucy the cat. The two had a bond as strong as they come. Alison adopted Lucy nine years ago as a kitten. Lucy made it very clear early on that she was a solo cat with zero biscuits, patience or attention to give for any humans aside from Alison. Per Alison's wishes, Lucy will be crossing The Rainbow Bridge and will join Alison in eternal rest for adventures and snuggles together. Lucy of course will also be missed.
Alison is survived by her loving mother, Sherry Waterstreet; Rocky Mountain dad, Jeff Waterstreet; her Kansas Budweiser dad, Mike Connell; her sister and best friend, Amber Connell (Ron); her two brothers, Ronnie Connell (Kerry) and Eric Connell (Shannon); nieces and nephews, Hayley (Noah), Zack (Baylee), Kayleigh, Ellie, Emberly and Bryson; grandnieces, Annie & Vanessa; and grandparents, Ed and Nogie Ritchie and Marge Waterstreet of Florida. Alison is also survived by too many friends to name but you know who you are, and she loved you all.
Celebration of Alison's Life will be 5 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where visitation will follow until 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please do your part to help the pet population by making donations to Helping Hands Humane Society in Alison's name, and sent in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com