Elizabeth K. McConnell

Elizabeth Kujda Clayton McConnell died September 23, 2016 with her family by her side in a Charleston, SC hospital after losing her battle against lymphoma. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Prince Frederick, MD.

The fifth of six daughters, Liz was born October 26, 1953 in Scranton, PA to Joseph Kujda and Anna Kujda (Lewandowski).

Those who knew her best would tell you Liz was never one to shy away from telling you how it is – without a filter. Sometimes she could come off as harsh, but her family and friends would agree that such honesty has proven invaluable over time. Many of us can attest that when we needed an honest assessment of ourselves or our circumstances, Liz would let you know what everyone else is thinking, but would not say. Her outspokenness and persistent honesty let you know where you stood, and that is a gift we don’t often get.

Liz’s laugh is what most people will remember about her. She very much felt that having fun and enjoying life were paramount, and she spread laughter everywhere she went. She loved to joke, quote Seinfeld, and heartily battled with her children over who held the honor of “the funniest Clayton.” Time spent with her often carried a sense of adventure and unpredictability, highlighted by her distinctive sense of humor and infectious laugh. It is no surprise that she was often referred to by many as their “fun friend.” Liz fulfilled her life-long dream of traveling: she spent ten days with her kids in Amsterdam, flew over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, dipped her feet in the Pacific Ocean, marveled at Israel, and partied in Mexico. She traipsed across Europe and visited Paris, Venice, and Florence. Paris was her favorite. She would later return to Italy to be married in Rome.

She made her home along the east coast, starting in Scranton, PA, later moving to Northern Virginia and then Southern Maryland with her late husband and her two children. She retired to Little River, SC with her husband James McConnell. Along the way, she made close friends and was the embodiment of her values – love, the importance of family, independence, hard work, being able to laugh at yourself, and most importantly, enjoying life.

Liz is truly one that is gone too soon.

She is survived by her two children, Mari Clayton of College Park, MD and Josh Clayton and his wife, Melissa of Middletown, MD, her grandson Jack, and her husband Jim McConnell of Little River, SC. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Clayton, in 2001.