Jean McConnell Obituary

Jean (Genia) Helen Olszewski McConnell passed peacefully on August 28, 2024, after a lengthy battle with dementia. She was born on March 15, 1936 to Helen and John Olszewski in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, into a large and loving extended family. She attended St. Leocadia grade school, Westinghouse Memorial High School, and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating from Mercy, she moved to Washington D.C. where she worked and attended the University of Maryland and became an RN. Genia was proud of her Polish heritage, consider yourself lucky if you ever had her pierogies! She met her soul mate and love of her life, Jim McConnell, in D.C. They married in 1963 and had two children. The family moved several times around the country until settling in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jean made lasting friendships wherever she went.

Jean was the most wonderful mother, grandmother, daughter, cousin and friend. Her positive, vibrant, and caring spirit showed through in all she did for her entire life. She was a strong woman who was independent, compassionate, smart, sweet, fun loving, firm when challenged, would offer advice only when asked, and goofy and ditzy at the same time. She loved being a wife and mother and considered that her most important role, taking time off from nursing while raising her young family. She was a gifted, accomplished musician and excelled at the piano and flute/piccolo. From Beethoven and Bach to ABBA and the Beatles, she passionately loved music. Jean played the organ for church, sung in various choirs, played piano for her children’s school events, and played the flute/piccolo in various community bands. Her Catholic faith was very strong, and she was always involved and volunteered at St. Theresa Parish as well as in the community. Jean was also an avid tennis player well into her 70's and loved watching tennis, football (Go Steelers!) and other sports. Her passion was nursing, and she excelled at it. She loved being an RN at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital on 5E helping patients heal and also pass with dignity. She was the perfect blend of no-nonsense and compassion. Her lively spirit will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her children Judy (Mike) Mandt, and John (April), and grandchildren Reed and Jacob. She was preceded in death by her husband James, her parents, and her brothers Stanley and Paul.

Services will be at St. Theresa’s Parish, 5045 E. Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85018 on September 12, 2024 with a rosary at 9:25 AM, words of remembrance at 9:45, and mass at 10:00am with burial following. She will be interred at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Donate Life Arizona.