Jeanne Elizabeth Connel

Jeanne Elizabeth Connel, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, 73, of Tallmadge, Ohio, succumbed to cancer on August 13, 2026, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

She was born in Los Angeles, California on March 16, 1953 to John and (Ruby) Norene Elkins, later moving to Abilene, Texas where she grew up. Jeanne married her husband of 54 years, (Gary) Mike Connel in 1972, and together they raised their 4 children while moving around the country, eventually landing in Ohio.

Jeanne was a devoted mother to Sydney (Scott) Long, Shelby (Michael) Crow, Seth (Cristi) Connel, and Samantha (David Schmac) Luyster. She was grandmother to Knute Long (Samantha Johnson), Hunter (Katelyn) Connel, Garrett Long, (John) Carter (Emma) Long, William Connel-Limer, Aulton Luyster, and Etta Luyster. She was also great-grandmother to Malcom Long and Lincoln Long. She was also a foster parent to more than 70 children and served for a time as the President of the Foster Parent's Association of Texas. She always said she knew she was meant to be a mother, and everyone who knew her felt that in the love and support she provided.

Jeanne was also a fierce friend and could light up any room. Her laugh was contagious and her generosity immeasurable. She is survived by her dearest friends Helen Eyssen, Ruth (Paul) Dickey, Suzy (Jim) Langford, and her cousin Shirley (Don) Baber who will miss her terribly.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents John and Norene Elkins, her sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Don Rogers, her niece Christy Rogers, and is survived by her brother Phillip (Norma) Elkins, brother-in-law John (Lisa) Connel, sister-in-law Patricia (Mark) Lappa, cousins Randy Haile, Ricky (Lana) Haile, and Don (Sylvia) Haile, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, "sons" and "daughters" who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, details to be announced.