Obituary of Nancy L. McConnell

McConnell, Nancy Clair Lawler “Mema”,75, of St. Petersburg was called home to be with her heavenly father on December 2, 2018 from complications related to a brain injury.   Nancy blessed us with her birth on September 8, 1943 to her parents Robert Lawler and Elizabeth Lawler in Richmond, Indiana.   She was raised in Clearwater where she attended St. Cecelia’s and Clearwater High School.  She attended Loyola University, and received her Master’s Degree at USF.  She is preceded in death by sisters Betty Thomas and Louise Lawler.  She is survived by her two daughters, Leigh Earle (Brian), and Wendy Carvalis of St. Petersburg.  She was a dedicated mother and a loving grandmother to Riley Carvalis, Kelsey Carvalis, Everett Earle, Ethan Earle, Emery Earle and Elleigh Earle.  Sweet Nancy will forever be remembered for her abiding faith and Love of Christ Jesus her Lord and Savior.  Nancy had a servant’s heart and devoted her life to helping others and sharing her faith. She was a Certified Public Accountant who for over 40 years shared her knowledge and expertise with her many friends and Christian organizations.  She was president of woman’s auxiliary to student American Medical Association, director of Christian Action Council, dedicated Sunday school teacher (Sacred Heart in Atlanta and Holy Family and St. Paul’s in St. Pete), leader of various bible studies including Bible Study Fellowship, Treasurer of Message Ministries and Missions, Inc., Treasurer of Aging Matters, Inc., Founder and Treasurer of Wise Stewards Investment Club, and treasurer of New Beginnings, Inc.  She is a member of Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  Nancy gave generously to her numerous charities and devoted her life selflessly to her family, church, and friends.  She exemplified to others “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt 22:37).  She personally touched the lives of everyone she met through words of encouragement, be it just the right bible verse to lift someone’s spirits or being a faithful correspondent over many years to people in times of personal crisis.  Nancy is now overjoyed to forever worship her king.  Her beautiful sweet smile and humble spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.  She will be terribly missed.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg on December 15th  at 1 pm with a reception to follow in the Parrish hall. Then Jesus said “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28-29). Anyone who may have questions or who would like to share condolences with the immediate family privately may contact the family via email at leighearle@yahoo.com