Eleanor Kathryn Connell

Eleanor Kathryn Gish Connell went to be with our Lord on May 4, 2024. Eleanor was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 17, 1926, the daughter of Floyd and Kathryn Gish. She grew up in Dallas, Texas. As a teenager, Eleanor took over many of the household duties, since her mother suffered from restrictive heart disease. She loved tennis her entire life, lettered in high school, and continued avocationally until her 60’s. Upon graduation from Sunset High School, she attended The University of Texas at Austin as a Physical Education major. She was there only one year. World War II ended her freshman year. The brother of a congregant at her home church, Tyler Street United Methodist Church (UMC) in Dallas, visited church when Eleanor was there. Introduced as Emerson and Laverne Connell, Eleanor initially thought they were married. When she found out that they were brother and sister, Eleanor quickly started dating her future husband, Emerson. Six weeks after this meeting, they were engaged. Three months after meeting, they were married. The marriage lasted for 70 years when Emerson died. As a young mother, in 1950 Eleanor was initiated into P.E.O. Dallas Chapter BM. P.E.O. is an organization that helps women with continuing education. She was active in the local Austin HI Chapter.

Eleanor was a consummate 50’s-60’s housewife and home keeper, raising three children: Donald, Thomas, and Nancy. After the children got older, she worked at Tyler Street UMC as the church receptionist. She also worked at a flower nursery, a Christian bookstore, and as a wedding caterer. Eleanor loved doing handwork, both needlepoint and quilting. She handmade quilts for all her children, as well as her nine grandchildren and others.

Emerson and Eleanor were members at Tyler Street UMC and Ovilla UMC before relocating to Austin in 1988. They were members of First United Methodist Church for many years and joined Manchaca United Methodist Church in 2015. Eleanor participated for many years in the Walk to Emmaus movement. Eleanor loved our Lord Jesus. She through her life was a faithful disciple, sharing His love and grace to all she met. She always had an infectious smile for everyone.

Eleanor is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, and 24 greatgrandchildren. Her last greatgrandchild, Deborah Lynne Chaney, was just born on May 2, 2024. She is predeceased by her husband, Emerson, her brother Vincent, and sister-in-law Laverne Vogel.

A memorial service will be held at Manchaca United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 11 at 1 PM, following a private graveside service. A reception will follow. Friends and relatives who have received a handmade quilt, wall hanging, etc., made by Eleanor are encouraged to bring it to the memorial service and to drape it over the pew during the service. Memorials may be directed to Manchaca United Methodist Church.