Kathleen L. McConnell

Mrs. Kathleen “Kathy” Lyle McConnell of Lebanon, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. She was 79. Kathy was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on June 22, 1944, the daughter of the late Lyle F. and Maxine (Adams) Petitt. On June 22, 1968, she was united in marriage to Robert “Bruce” McConnell in Girard, Pennsylvania; he survives. Kathy was a graduate of Rice Avenue Union High School in Girard, Pennsylvania. She attained her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Connecticut State University in 1979 and in 1982 a Masters degree from Ball State University in Special Education. She was a special education teacher for Blue River Special Education Co-op for several years and in 1988 moved to MSD of Warren Township Schools where she completed her 19 ½ year teaching career. In 1999, Kathy was hired by Smoot Construction Company to train as a Field Construction Administrator. The plan was that she would be the administrative person on the project that Bruce was working on. The first project they were both assigned to was construction of a 500-room hotel and a 3,000-car parking garage at the Caesars River Boat south of New Albany in Harrison County, Indiana. That project started in early 2000 and wrapped up in early 2002. At the hotel dedication, the CEO of Smoot asked Bruce if they would like to do another remote project. The answer was yes. Their second project was construction of an open-air mall for the Taubmann Corporation in Richmond, VA. Several months into the project, Kathy decided to leave Smoot and worked in a fabric store in Richmond for a while. But she resumed work in construction administration toward the end of the mall project working with the contractors installing stores in the mall. The mall opened on September 18, 2003 just as Hurricane Isobel hit Richmond. Bruce moved on from Smoot and was hired by the Carolina business office of Turner Construction Company and was assigned to a high school project in Greenville, SC. When the Turner field administrator on the project became sick, and ultimately died, they brought Kathy on to fill the position. That high school was one of four school projects that Turner was building in Greenville at the time. Kathy stayed on with Turner until all four of the projects were completed and completely closed out. At that point she retired. A member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lebanon, Indiana, Kathy enjoyed her church family and was known as the baker of cookies and cakes for the congregation, and singing in the choir. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and loved her family tremendously. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and sewing and quilting bed runners for friends and family, sometimes with an assist from husband, Bruce. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Bruce McConnell; two sons, Corrie A. McConnell and wife, Anna of Lebanon, Indiana, and James W. McConnell and wife, Kelly of Lebanon, Tennessee; five grandchildren; and a brother, Eugene D. Petitt of Highland, California. Funeral Services are planned for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana, with Rev. Je Lee, officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Boone County Crematory has been entrusted with her arrangements for cremation following services. Memorials may be directed in Kathy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240-1554 or to the First Presbyterian Church, 128 East Main Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052. Kathy’s family wishes to thank Promedica Hospice for all of their efforts during the past few months, caring for Kathy and looking after Bruce. A special thanks to Kari Totten, Kathy’s case manager and nurse.

Kathleen L. McConnell

June 22, 1944 - September 12, 2023