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Joyce McConnell Obituary
Joyce McCONNELL The Right Reverend Joyce McConnell, Episcopal minister, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2011, the day after her 92nd birthday. Born in Grantham, England, throughout her life she committed herself to the service of others. As a young woman Joyce gave up an Oxford scholarship to join the British Army serving as an officer in Northern Africa. She met her beloved husband US Army Sargent James McConnell in London during WWII. They married on September 24, 1948 in Seattle where soon after she took a job with the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. A lifelong church person, the Episcopal Church became her extended family. Over the next four decades she served as Treasurer for the Diocese. For years she wrote a Treasurer's Newsletter that guided parishes nationwide. She served on the National Executive Council and as President of the Pacific Province for the Episcopal Church. Joyce's reputation for compassion, wisdom and business acumen was well-regarded by many. She was fluent in several languages and enjoyed reciting Shakespeare by heart. Joyce continued to work full time for the Diocese into her late seventies. She attended the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. At 80 she fulfilled a dream by becoming an ordained Episcopal priest. She served as rector of Faith Church in Kingston until 2004, and continued her pastoral work at St. Barnabas on Bainbridge Island for several years thereafter. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Jim on November 15, 1977. She is survived by her daughter Anne Kastle, her sons, Kevin McConnell and wife Teresa, and Andrew McConnell and wife Eri, her grandchildren Jackson Kastle, Liam McConnell, Ella McConnell, Eileen Moreland, and Megan Moreland, and her sister Elizabeth Steele, and many loving nieces, nephews and family. Memorial services will be held at St. Mark's Cathedral, Seattle on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Remembrance may be made to the Joyce and Jim McConnell Fund, Diocese of Olympia, 1551-10th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce McConnell
Gwlenys Cragg Reid
January 23, 2012
Oh Joyce, how we miss your voice and your wise words. You welcomed your brother's daughter to your home and heart when we emigrated to America. I know you love poetry, so here are the beautiful words of Robert Burns for you:
"Farewell, thou fair day, thou green earth, and ye skies, now gay with the broad setting sun; farewell, loves and friendships, ye dear tender ties, our race of existence is run!"
And, Joyce, what a race you ran. With our love. Gwlenys, Lyle and family.
January 15, 2012
Joyce was a wonderful woman. She was interested, interesting and engaging until the end. She was kind and fun to be around, always with an interesting story to tell about her past travels and adventures. I miss her and I will never forget her. Rest in peace dear Joyce. Patricia Nicholoff
Betty Steele
January 10, 2012
We shared our chlldhood, we shared our schoodays we shared our family life and we shared our sisterly love. You have a special place in my heart as I know I always had in yours. Betty
Maggie Dervin
January 5, 2012
I will miss your stories and your laugh. I enjoyed all the family parties and the laughter we all shared. You are missed already.
Carol Gregory
January 4, 2012
Joyce was one of my favorite people. We shared many good laughs with each other. She will be missed by many people. Indeed, Joyce was a woman of faith.
Linda Sather
January 3, 2012
We will miss your visits, the great conversations, and our family travels together. Linda and Patrick and Dianna, Deanndra and Audra.
January 3, 2012
Anne, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I am sure she will be missed by many.
Dee (Peter's sister)
Bill Hawley
January 3, 2012
Thanks to Joyce for making my family history complete. Bill Hawley
Anne Kastle
January 3, 2012
I miss and love you Mom. You were my best friend. Love, Anne
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