Mary Downen McConnell (July 13, 1941 - November 17, 2023)

Mary Downen McConnell, age 82 of Nixa, MO passed away surrounded by her family and friends. Mary was born in Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, one of four children born to Gerald and Miriam Downen. Her childhood and school years were spent in Webster Groves, MO. After high school Mary attended Drury College, where she received a BA in Education and a Masters in Education. She taught 7th and 8th grade English for 13 years in the Ozark School System, where she retired in 2001.

Her love for her Lord, her family and her friends always came first. She was active in Cassidy United Methodist Church and involved in numerous volunteer activities. If she wasn't busy sewing, knitting or crocheting, she was an avid sports fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, KC Chiefs, and tennis. Traveling was highlight in her life, and she was privileged to go to 49 of the 50 states in our beautiful country.

She is survived by two daughters, Kelly McConnell and husband Rob DeBolt of Olathe, KS and their two children, William and Avery; and Margo McConnell of Charlotte, NC and her two children, Emma and Davis. Mary was preceded in death by her son, Christopher William McConnell on August 13, 1980 at the age of 14.

A memorial visitation was held from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. During visitation, Pastor Steven Mitchell gave a prayer and eulogy. Cremation rites were accorded by Adams Crematory, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.

If you'd like to make a memorial contribution, Mary would've appreciated a donation to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, 4500 Cooper Road, Suite 204, Cincinnati, OH  45242, in honor of Alivia Sifferman. Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language.  It primarily affects females.  Babies with Rett Syndrome usually are born after an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Signs and symptoms start to appear after six months, with the most pronounced changes generally occurring at 12-18 months.  Although there's no cure for Rett Syndrome, potential treatments are being studied and utilized.  This request is especially close to Mary, as Alivia is the granddaughter of a very dear friend.   

Praise the Lord, my soul.

I will praise the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live

Psalm 146:1-2

(Obituary published by Adams Funeral Home-Nixa on Nov. 18, 2023.)