Margaret Connell

It is with a heavy yet grateful heart that we celebrate the life of Margaret A. Connell, who passed away unexpectedly on October 15, 2024, in Clearwater, Florida. Born on December 4, 1947, in Bethlehem, PA, Peg was the beloved daughter of the late Francis J. Connell, Jr. and the late Gertrude (Hildenberger) Connell.

Peg attended St. Anne's Catholic School and graduated from the 1965 class of Notre Dame High School, where she was active in the theatre productions. She continued her education at Trinity College in Washington D.C. and later earned her master's degree in education from Lehigh University.

Peg's enthusiasm for education was a constant thread throughout her life. She began her teaching career with several schools in the Allentown Diocese where she nurtured the hearts and minds of young students. She later served as the Religious Education Director at St. Paul's, sharing her faith and love for learning, before continuing her journey with the Private Industry Council. These experiences shaped her deep commitment to helping others, a commitment she carried with her when she moved to Florida to continue her impactful work.

While in Florida, Peg dedicated her life to enriching the lives of others, both through her career and personal passions. As the Director of Disability Resources at St. Petersburg College, she made an extraordinary impact, leading initiatives such as the "Narrowing the Gulf" conference, which became a beacon for disability professionals and educators across Florida and beyond. Peg's leadership in the field of postsecondary education and disability earned her the highest honors and the admiration of colleagues statewide. She also worked tirelessly to honor and support veterans with disabilities and was instrumental in founding the Florida Association on Higher Education and Disability (FL AHEAD).

Outside of work, Peg's enthusiasm for life was palpable. She was an avid collector of Native American art and clown figurines, and she took immense joy in spending time with her family, friends, and colleagues. She built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished friendships, both in Florida and in her hometown of Bethlehem.

Peg will be dearly missed by her brothers, Francis J. Connell, III and wife, Ellen, Patrick J. Connell and wife, Chris, James M. Connell, Sr. and wife, Soozi, and Eugene J. Connell and wife, Jan. Peg is also survived by her nieces and nephews, and her great nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored. Her legacy of compassion, leadership, and service to others will forever inspire those who knew her.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10-11 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 Washington Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18018, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Peg will be laid to rest with her parents at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo, FL 33774. Peg's dear friend, Father Michael O'Brien, will be the celebrant.

Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Peg to the kidney foundation of your choice.

Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com.