McLEAN, Connie Sue - b. 1941 - d. August 21, 2023

[patyrn]

Connie Sue McLean, age 82, of Topeka, Kansas, was born northwest of Howard, Kansas to Darrel D. and Cleda V. McLean.  She grew up in and around Howard, playing in the fields while her parents farmed and making mud pies under the front porch of their home. 

Connie attended school in Howard and graduated from Howard High School in 1959 where she participated in Pep Club, Glee Club, and Mixed Chorus.  Her heart for helping others was already evident as she served as a class officer multiple years, was part of Kayettes, a community service club sponsored by the Kansas Association for Youth, and joined the Future Homemakers of American (FHA) where she was awarded the State Degree in homemaking her senior year.  She applied for and was chosen by a committee to be part of a mission trip within the United States to serve impoverished families.

Connie graduated from Pittsburg State College in Pittsburg, Kansas - "Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla" with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  She began her teaching career at Crane Junior High in Topeka, Kansas where she taught Physical Education and Health.  Connie was excited to have the opportunity to coach girls in the sports of tennis, basketball, gymnastics, track, and the cheerleading squad.

Connie married and had two daughters.  She was devoted to her family, and her commitment to service continued by volunteering her time in PTA and Campfire Girls.  She was a member of Highland Park Methodist Church for over 50 years where she served many roles in children's ministries with a special heart for the nursery.  She was also very active in the United Methodist Women's ministry.

In later years, Connie worked as a paraprofessional in the 501 and Seaman School districts assisting in classrooms and working in Special Education.  She also coached girls' tennis and basketball.

Connie, like her father, enjoyed gardening.  She had fun putting together puzzles, reading, watching birds that came to her feeder, and being with her dog, Meme.  She treasured time spent with family.  She found special joy in doing activities with her granddaughter such as going out to eat, watching favorite TV shows together, and attending special events like Tulips at Twilight.

Connie had a strong faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she always served as a witness to His sacrifice and love for all people.  God called Connie home on August 21, 2023, and as we reflect on her life, the following verse comes to mind.  "We live by faith, not by sight -  2 Corinthians 5:7".  That is the embodiment of how Connie lived.  We are confident that she has now joined many others with this same faith in the city built for them by God.

Connie is survived by her daughters, Sandra (Tom) Fienhage and Rhonda Bower as well as Mike Bower; granddaughter, Hannah Fienhage; nieces, Susan, Veneta, Glenda, Lynne, Marsha, and Wendy; nephew, Doug; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Willard McLean; her sister, Virginia Wahl, and her nephew, Stuart.

A Celebration of Connie's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Avenue, Topeka, Kansas where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023.  Per Connie's wishes, she was cremated.  Private inurnment will take place at a later date in Grace Lawn Cemetery in Howard, Kansas where she will be buried near her parents.

In lieu of flowers, Connie requested that memorial contributions be given to the emergency fund at the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 SE Michigan Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66605.  Dove Cremation and Funerals - Southeast Chapel of Topeka, Kansas has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from Dove Cremation and Funerals  website)