Bonnie McConnell 1945-2025

She was born Dec. 8, 1945, in Butler, Pa., the daughter of John and Alice Snyder Rudiak. Bonnie was a 1963 graduate of Butler High School and graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in education.

She touched the lives of countless children as she worked in the LaBrae Local School District as an elementary school teacher for 30 years, retiring in 2003. Bonnie established long-lasting bonds with her co-workers and reveled in the memories they made together, most notably, the pajama parties that she hosted.

Bonnie had a love of music, especially Motown, and in recent years found great joy in attending many shows at the Robins Theatre in Warren. She was a lover of all animals, dogs especially. Bonnie enjoyed vacationing with family and friends, particularly at her favorite beach, Siesta Key, which was one of her treasured pastimes. However, Bonnie’s greatest love was spending time with her family. She was fiercely proud of her sons and grandchildren, and would light up when surrounded by them.

Bonnie will be deeply missed by her husband, Charles “Merle” McConnell, whom she married June 7, 1969; two sons, Brian McConnell, and his wife, Marilyn of Girard, and Jason McConnell, and his wife, Julie of Cortland; her sister, Mary Matis, and her husband, Frank of Butler, Pa.; three grandchildren, Jared, Dylan and Mara McConnell; her lifelong dear friends, Reyland and Carol Miller; and her precious dog, Daisy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John Rudiak.

Friends may call 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of St. Joseph Warren Hospital and Hospice of the Valley Hospice House for their care and compassion.

Material contributions can be made to Hospice of The Valley, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514; or to The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, 909 Martin Luther King Ave. SW, Warren, OH 44485.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Bonnie’s family.

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