| | Frances Dena McConnell 
WINTER HAVEN -- Mrs. Frances Dena McConnell of Winter Haven, who worked as a nurse's aide for 17 years, died of respiratory failure Sunday (Dec. 18, 2005) at Spring Lake Nursing, Winter Haven. She was 86.
Born Oct. 9, 1919, in Zolfo Springs, Mrs. McConnell moved to Winter Haven from Homestead in 1961.
Her son, Ray McConnell, said that Mrs. McConnell's faith strengthened when she lost her husband to a sudden heart attack.
"He left a fairly young widow, 43 or 44 years old," he said. "She was trying to answer some of the big questions of life, and I watched her faith grow."
Ray McConnell, who is a missionary, said his mother always kept track of his travels. He thought of it as her way of staying close while he was on the other side of the world.
"She could have drifted off into her own world, but always kept plugged in," he said.
An ability to express gratitude characterized Mrs. McConnell, whether it was to family or nursing staff.
"To her, it was more than just a courtesy, it really meant something," her son said.
Mrs. McConnell worked for Winter Haven Hospital as a nurse's aide.
She attended Inman Park Baptist Church in Winter Haven.
Mrs. McConnell was preceded in death by her husband, James Underwood McConnell. She is survived by her daughter, Norris Ann Roland, Lake Alfred; son, Ray McConnell, Thailand; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Inman Park Baptist Church. Services will follow at 3 p.m. at the church.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823 or Shoulder to Shoulder Ministries Inc., 609 Chivas Court, Orange Park, FL 32073.
By Matthew Pleasant
The Ledger
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