Barbara Ann McConnell

Born on October 27th, 1946, Barbara was the daughter of the late Margaret and John T. Murdoch. A proud graduate of Boone Highschool, she was also a child of Central Florida and the pull of its sun and its beaches and her family was her compass drawing her back from many trips, short and long.

A helping hand in her community, Barbara retired from BellSouth and Home Depot and remained an active member of the Downtown Baptist Church of Orlando. Her faith in Christ was her anchor, and her wisdom was a gift she gave freely to those she loved.

Barbara had a servant’s heart and was a provider in the truest sense, and to know her was to know a woman who was perpetually "on the lookout." Whether browsing a shop or listening to a conversation, she was always searching for that one thing that her family might need, and she would move mountains to get it.

To visit the house on Ferncreek, to smell the family pound cake, to see the vacation pictures from far-off lands, to hear the sounds of a hallmark movie, was to understand how her life was seasoned with simple joys and grand adventures.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jane Gianelloni. Her legacy of love lives on through her children, John “Chad” McConnell (Shellie) and April Bryant (Spanky); and her nephew, John Gianelloni (Lia), whom she loved as a son. She was the proud, devoted grandmother of Peyton McConnell, Ryan McConnell, and Ty Bryant, and the loving great-aunt to Cora and Tessa Gianelloni.

Barbara will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, and the love she poured into her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life and graveside service at 10:00 AM Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home (400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734). Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the Downtown Baptist Church in Orlando (115 E Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801 – garage code 7817#).