I hadn't heard about Michael's death until I stumbled upon this notice this evening. Michael and I served with the Town of Madison Fire Department EMS unit, until she fell madly in love with Ron Connell while attending a class at the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg. She moved to Detroit after that and we stayed in touch for many years.
She was a good friend who got me started in earnest on my art journey of the past 20 years or so. She also taught me how rewarding being owned by cats could be. 
Unfortunately, we fell out of touch with each other after she and Ron moved to Georgia. I'm sorry I didn't do a better job of maintaining contact with her - and now it's too late to tell her.

Michael and I shared a locker in the metals lab at Wayne State University. We shared ideas and tools. She taught me how yummy orange sherbet and fudge topping were. She was a very accomplished woman.


I remember my cousin in many ways: a cute little two year old  bunny for my Halloween party, on the ski patrol as a teen, musical as a professional oboist, resident artist in the Ukraine, art teacher, animal lover and so in love with her husband, Ron.  May she rest peace.  

My dear cousin what a unique gift you were - I'm happy you are back together with Ron and the rest of the family! You will be missed ❤

Michael was my art teacher when I was a kid, and we remained friends throughout my life. She was always generous and kind and funny and a pleasure to be around. I will miss sitting at her table and talking with her, picking through Barnes and Noble (she would insist on buying whatever I wanted, as well as several volumes of her own--we always left with a huge tower of books.) 

She always said she wanted her art students to look through her 'bad art box' and have a laugh burning things after she 'croaked.' I hope I get the chance someday, when covid lets me travel again. 

Michael taught me so much that I still carry with me. I'm going to miss her a lot. 

(Photo by her late husband, Ron. I'm sure he wouldn't mind.)



Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park

Michael Connell

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Michael Weldon Connell

18 January, 1948 – 19 October, 2020

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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