Obituary of Anna Marie McConnell

Anna Marie Martens McConnell passed away on September 17, 2018 four months after her 100^th birthday.  She was born in Niagara Falls, NY on May 3, 1918.  She was the daughter of William Martens and Marjorie Meloon Martens.  At the age of 7 the family moved to Lewiston.  She resided in Lewiston for 92 years, prior to moving in with her daughter in Pennsylvania.  She graduated from the Lewiston Red Brick School.  In 1940 she married the love of her life, James Chester McConnell.

She worked at the Lewiston Post Office.  After raising her children she started taking classes at Niagara County Community College and graduated in 1974.  She was an active member of the Lewiston Presbyterian Church.  Her love of children led her to teach Sunday School for over 40 years.  Her faith in the Lord has sustained her throughout her life.

Anna Marie had a love of learning.  She was an accomplished seamstress.  She took many German courses and started Art Classes late in life.  At the age of 85 she started taking saxophone lessons.  She also loved to swim and every afternoon throughout the Summer a group of friends would gather to swim and socialize at her pool.  She loved traveling.  She went on over 10 cruises and traveled to Europe 4 times – the first time when she was 11 in 1929. 

She is survived by her three children:  James McConnell, Kathleen Rabe and Margaret Thoresen.  She is also survived by two granddaughters:  Sara Thoresen Barchard (Mike) and April Marie Rabe and three great grandchildren:  Emily, Jack and Colin Barchard.

Her love of family, friends, neighbors and life will be remembered by all who knew her.  She will be missed by so many for her generous heart. 

She was preceded in death by her husband and her grandson, James Martens McConnell Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston on October 13^th at 2 PM.  A reception will follow the service.  Contributions in her name can be made to the First Presbyterian Church 505 Cayuga Street Lewiston, NY  14092 or to the Lewiston Library 305 S 8^th Street Lewiston, NY  14092.