Kathie L McConnell

Kathie McConnell died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on February 12, 2023. She was 95 years old, just one week shy of her 96th birthday. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Los Altos United Methodist church, 5950 E. Willow Street, Long Beach on March 25, 2023 at 10:30 am. A reception to greet the family will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Katherine Louise Safford, daughter of Harold Safford and Mabel Chappell Safford, was born on February 19, 1927, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, “the state that everyone is glad they’re from.” She grew up in Wheaton, Illinois where her father worked for WLS radio station. Radio and entertainment were always a part of her young life, and she met such entertainers as Steve Allen, George Gobel, Gene Autry, and a young Andy Williams. Her favorite parties were when musicians from the radio station got together in her home for “jam sessions.”

Kathie attended Cornell College, in Mt. Vernon, Iowa where she received her bachelor's degree in Sociology. It was there she met the love of her life and husband of 74 years, John McConnell. The two were servers in the dining room and their early romance was carried on in the corner by the sugar bowls and salt and pepper shakers. They were married on August 15, 1948, in Wheaton, Illinois.

Kathie received her teaching credential from Long Beach State and taught for 16 years in the Westminster School District. Kathie was a member of First United Methodist Church in Long Beach. She taught children’s Sunday School for many years and she and John also taught an adult fellowship class. In 1998, she was named Lay Woman of the Year “for faithful service to Jesus Christ through the church.” She later became a member of Los Altos United Methodist Church where she was active in United Methodist Women and Lydia Circle. She was also a member of P.E.O. and served as President of her chapter.

Even though Kathie left her social work career when she started her family, she continued her passion for social welfare in helping others throughout her life. She and John provided rides to church for those who could no longer drive, visited church members who were home bound or in assisted living, and always reached out to friends when they were in need.

Kathie was an active person. She ice skated early in life and was always a swimmer. She loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, and took up cross country skiing later in life. She cherished time with her family, especially family trips to the Midwest, Hawaii, Kentucky or cruising to Alaska. Of all the roles Kathie had in life, she loved being a grandmother to her four granddaughters, Taylor, Lauren, Rebecca, and Amy. She was also blessed to become a great-grandmother to Kennedy and Carli.

Kathie is survived by her loving husband, John, son Jim and his wife, Mary Marquez, son Tom McConnell and wife Susan, daughter Nancy McConnell and her husband Michael Swartz, grandchildren Taylor and Jesse Cole, Lauren and Jay Claywell, Rebecca Swartz, and Amy McConnell, and her great-granddaughters, Kennedy and Carli Claywell. She is also Aunt Kathie to several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Elizabeth, William, and Genevieve.

Kathie’s family would like to thank their team from Grace Hospice Care and all the Visiting Angels who provided in-home care for mom and support for dad.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Los Altos United Methodist Church in Long Beach.