Carole E. McConnellogue, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on June 8, 2018, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, February 22, 1948, the first of two children born to the late Frank and Helen Barches.
Carole graduated from Oak Lawn High School in 1966. Kevin and Carole ran away to be married immediately after graduation and started their family. They welcomed Jeffery first and then Aaron four years following.
Carole was a professional cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Soxs. This launched her career in modeling. Later in life, Carole spent fifteen years working for TESSA (The Center for Prevention of Domestic Violence) and then finished her career in non-profit work with eighteen years with Catholic Charities. One of the most important roles that Carole played in her life was helping people in need through compassion, caring, and love.
Carole enjoyed running and completed the Pikes Peak Ascent on three occasions along with numerous other races. Carole had a true love and passion for dance. She was the Director of Colorado Springs Dance Club for three years.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, devoted husband of fifty-two years, Kevin McConnellogue; a loving son Aaron and his wife, Jayme; a precious granddaughter, Tess and three grandsons and their spouses, Seth and Matt, Cale and Allie, and Riley and Alex; two great granddaughters Laroux and Lola; sibling Diane. Carole will be laid to rest with her son, Jeff who passed at the very young age of 19. Carole carried the burden of grief with her from the time that Jeff died and has now found comfort in his arms.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10:00 am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church 2318 North Cascade, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 with a small reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Private burial will take place in October at Pikes Peak National Cemetery where Carole and Jeff will be laid to rest.
Every Easter we will continue to celebrate as this was Carole’s favorite holiday. We will hold the egg fight challenge in her honor with her own special egg. Every time we dance we will think of her. Seeing a lamb will always bring us comfort and help us remember her fondly. We will watch Dirty Dancing and drool over Patrick Swayze, whom we know she is dancing with now. We will listen to Sonny and Cher sing “I Got You Babe” and know that sometime in the future we can sing that at the top of our lungs with her taking the lead and the rest of us the background singers.
