Lucy “Jane”, nee Cluck, McConnell of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday March 26, 1924, in Beaucoup, IL, passed away Tuesday August 10, 2021 at Villas of Hollybrook in Belleville, IL.
Jane started her career at Scott Air Force Base, IL where she worked for 22 years and retired as a Management Analyst Officer in 1974. She then went on to become a very successful district manager for AFLAC.
Jane lived in Mascoutah, IL for much of her childhood and later moved to Belleville, IL. In 1991, Jane married Virgil “Mac” McConnell and moved to Cooper Landing, AK, where she lived for 16 years. In 2006, Jane and Mack moved to Swansea, IL to be closer to her family. In 2016 Jane moved to Colonnade Senior Living in O’Fallon, IL and then moved to Villas of Hollybrook in Belleville, IL in May 2021. Jane also loved to travel and traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world.
Jane was a member of Rob Morris Chapter 98 in The Order of the Eastern Star. She was Worthy Grand Matron of the state of IL in 1977. In 1988 Jane was appointed Worthy Grand Esther of the General Grand Chapter and served in that position from 1988-1991.
Jane was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: Raymond and Edith May, nee Redfearn, Cluck;
- Husband: Virgil “Mac” W. McConnell;
- Daughter: Arna Jane Trotter;
- Brother: Dayless Cluck;
- Sisters:
- Virginia Mueller
- Marie Bassimer
Surviving are her:
- Grandson: Scott M. Thompson of Belleville, IL
- Great grandchildren:
- Zachary Thompson
- Zara Thompson
- Niece: Jacqueline Lucas
- Dear great nieces and nephews
- family friend and care taker, Kaye Ruppel
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday August 14, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. Eastern Star service will be held at 12:00 noon.
Funeral: Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday August 14, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Weston officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.
6 Comments To "Lucy Jane McConnell"
#1 Comment By Kaye Ruppel On August 11, 2021 @ 8:13 pm
I am so sorry of your loss. I have lost one of my dearest friends whom I was very fond of. It was a privilege and honor to call Jane my friend. I will miss her greatly she will be in my thoughts and prayers always. Please know how much I share your grief. It is a sad time for all of us. Our friendship will live on in my heart forever.
#2 Comment By Wes Holzinger On August 17, 2021 @ 12:15 pm
Sorry for your loss also Kaye. You were a great friend of Jane’s.
#3 Comment By Angela Sweet On August 13, 2021 @ 3:13 pm
Jane was such a dear friend of my mom, Kaye Ruppel. I never met Jane, but feel as if I knew her through the stories my mom shared. Jane was truly a blessing for my mom and family. May she rest in Peace.
#4 Comment By Wes Holzinger On August 17, 2021 @ 12:14 pm
Scott, so sorry to hear about Jane’s passing. She was truly a joy to be around. She never forgot a voice.
#5 Comment By Roxie Little On August 17, 2021 @ 7:26 pm
I was a inhome nurse to Jane and Mac when they were involved in an automobile accident in Alaska. They were a wonderful,careing couple of mine for many years. Jane was also my Eastern Star sister and I loved her dearly. RIP dear friend
#6 Comment By Betty Bonner On August 24, 2021 @ 5:57 pm
Dear Scott, Zach, and Zara. Your grandmother/great grandmother was a dear and most loved friend. My late husband and I were blessed to know her from the time she and Mac married. We had so many interests in common not the least of which were our bichons as well as the varied Masonic/Shrine organizations. Please know I’m thinking of you. I’ll miss her. She’s watching over you all.