Connie DiOnne

Connie L. DiOnne, 73, of Mansfield, died October 22, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family after an extended illness. She was born March 22, 1943 in Lodi, Ohio, the oldest child of J. Hugh and Josephine (Barnhart) DiOnne, who preceded her in death.

Around age 11 her family moved to Ashland County, Ohio. Connie finished her education there, graduating from Ashland High School, Class of 1961. She went on to travel and live in many places, but came back home to Ashland County in 1971 and finally settled in Richland County in 1976.

Connie enjoyed being around people and was a hardworking and caring person who always gave of herself to others. These qualities were what made her so successful in a retail career, which she enjoyed since 1971. Her most current experience being with T.J. Maxx where she enjoyed 27 years of service before retiring in August 2015.

Family was her greatest love and Connie generously shared her love and hobbies with them. Her hobbies included taking pictures at family gatherings and church activities, reading, sewing, doing many types of crafts, making homemade candy, researching genealogy, traveling and nature watching. She was actively involved with the Ashland County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society (ACCOGS).

For the past 37 years, Connie had made her home with her beloved sister, Mary Ann (Glenn) Darling of Mansfield. Others who survive her are siblings, Terry (Karen) DiOnne of Massillon, Larry DiOnne of Canton, and Jylene (Tim) O'Donnell of Celina; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Todd) Russell, Greg (Joy) Darling, Michele (Chuck) Boyers, Lisa DiOnne, Michael (Jenn) DiOnne, Tracy Netherton, Jim (Chris) DiOnne, Joe (Carri) DiOnne, Zack O'Donnell, and Alissa O'Donnell; eleven great nieces and nephews; and 13 cousins and their families, whom Connie held in high regard, especially her traveling companion and close friend, cousin Stephanie Iacono.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd at 6:00 p.m. Friends may call from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, Ohio 44805; or Ashland OGS, P.O. Box 681, Ashland, Ohio 44805; or JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).