Blanche M. McConnell, 94
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Blanche Mary Louise McConnell, 94, of North Adams died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in North Adams on Aug. 19, 1918, daughter of George M. Brazeau Sr. and Eva Secor Brazeau, she was a lifelong resident of the city's Greylock. She attended the former Holy Family School and graduated from the former Notre Dame du Sacré Coeur and Bliss Business schools.
Mrs. McConnell worked in the family grocery store, Brazeau's Market, for many years, beginning as a young girl helping her father. When her brother, George Jr., took another job, she ran the business daily with her husband, John, until its closing in 1985. Brazeau's was known for its large assortment of penny candy by all the children, some of whom remembered Mrs. McConnell when they became her caregivers. She also worked at the former Cornish Wire in Williamstown.
She was a lifelong communicant of the former Holy Family Church. She also belonged to the Children of Mary and the Ladies of St. Anne Guild. She sang with Sister Rita Cardin, Neil Healy and the Rev. Matthew Alcombright, in choirs including St. Martha's and others gathered for special occasions.
After her retirement, Mrs. McConnell became more involved with her church. She helped, with a group of ladies, in decorating for all religious services for the "Love of God." She became sacristan, serving the priests who came to the church. She remained active until the closing of her church in 2009. She also enjoyed knitting for her family, making many sweaters for her grandchildren.
Her husband, John T. McConnell, were married on June 22, 1942. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 22, 1992, with a Mass officiated by the Rev. John Foucher. Mr. McConnell died on April 1, 1999.
She leaves her beloved daughter, Rachel McConnell Smith; her grandchildren Michael J. DiGennaro and his companion, Jane Anderson, Richard J. DiGennaro and his companion, Jane Schnopps, and Veronica J. DiGennaro and her companion, Butch O'Neil; her great-grandchildren, Nicco R.J., Johnathan C., Brandon M. and Matthew J. DiGennaro, James J. Galusha, Caitlyn Boucher, and Jon and Thomas T.C. Oliver, and her fifth-generation descendant, great-great-granddaughter Maci Elaine Stanley.
Her brothers J. Lawrence, Harvey W. Brazeau and George M. Brazeau Jr. and her grandsons Carl J. DiGennaro and Richard R. Longobardi predeceased her.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mrs. McConnell will take place Monday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Church in North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will Sunday, Nov. 4, from 2 to 5 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Vincent de Paul through the funeral home or Deacon Bruce Ziter, 70 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.