Vera O. Mcconnell

Vera O. McConnell, 90, of Goshen, died Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2009, at Goshen General Hospital. She was born in New Paris on September 6, 1918, to Hiram E. and Hazel M. (Ott) Gonderman.  She married James G. McConnell, Jr. on June 2, 1940, in Goshen.  He died July 10, 2005. A longtime resident of the area, Mrs. McConnell was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Goshen, for 59 years.  She was also a member of Maplecrest Country Club and Avenue of Hope. She worked at the Goshen News for more than 20 years as society editor.  She retired in 1979 and moved to Florida in 1980, and returned to the Goshen area in 1999. She is survived by three daughters, Kathleen (Charles L. ) Poe and Barbara Hoover, both of Goshen, and Rosemary (Dean L.) Ernest, Jr. of Powers, Michigan; a son, James M. McConnell of Manistee, Michigan; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; two sisters, Ruth Krauter and Maxine Domer; and a brother, LaMar E. Gonderman. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 20, at the funeral home and 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., Saturday, at the church. A 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2009, funeral will be conducted at St. James Episcopal Church, Goshen.  Rev. Larry R. Biller will officiate. Burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be given to St. James Episcopal Church or Avenue of Hope.