Connie S. McLean 82, of Topeka was born northwest of Howard, Kansas to
Darrel D. and Cleda V. McLean. Connie grew up in and around Howard,
playing in the fields while her parents farmed and making mud pies
under the front porch of their home. Connie attended school in Howard
and graduated from Howard High School where she participated in Pep
Club, Glee Club and Mixed Chorus. Her heart for helping others was
already evident as she served as a Class Officer multiple years, was
part of Kayettes- a community service club sponsored by the Kansas
Association for Youth, and joined the Future Homemakers of America
where she was awarded the State Degree in homemaking her senior year.
She applied for and was chosen by a committee to be part of a mission
trip within the United States to serve impoverished families.

Connie graduated from Pittsburg State College “Once a Gorilla, Always
a Gorilla” with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She began her
teaching career at Crane Jr. High in Topeka, Kansas where she taught
Physical Education and Health. Connie was excited to have the
opportunity to coach girls in the sports of tennis, basketball,
gymnastics, track, and the cheerleading squad.

Connie married and had two daughters. She was devoted to her family
and her commitment to service continued by volunteering her time in
PTA and Campfire Girls. She was a member of Highland Park United
Methodist Church for over 50 years where she served many roles in
children’s ministries, with a special heart for the nursery. She was
also very active in the United Methodist’s Women’s ministry.

In later years Connie worked as a paraprofessional in the 501 and
Seaman School districts assisting in classrooms and working in Special
Education. She also coached girls’ tennis and basketball.

Connie, like her father, enjoyed gardening; she had fun putting
together puzzles, reading, watching birds that came to her feeder and
being with her dog Meme. Connie treasured time spent with family. She
found special joy in doing activities with her granddaughter such as
going out to eat, watching favorite TV shows together and attending
special events like Tulips at Twilight.

Connie had a strong faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and
she always served as a witness to His sacrifice and love for all
people. God called Connie home on August 21, 2023 and as we reflect on
her life, the following verse comes to mind, - We live by faith, not
by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 And that is the embodiment of how Connie
lived. We are confident that she has now joined many others with this
same faith, in the city built for them by God.

Connie is survived by her daughters Sandra (Tom) Fienhage and Rhonda
Bower, as well as Mike Bower, granddaughter Hannah Fienhage, nieces
Susan, Veneta, Glenda, Lynne, Marsha, and Wendy, nephew Doug and many
great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by
her parents, brother Willard McLean, sister Virginia Wahl as well as
her nephew Stuart.

A Celebration of Connie's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday,
September 15, 2023 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave.
where the family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday,
September 14, 2023. Per Connie’s wishes she was cremated. Private
inurnment will take place at a later date in Grace Lawn Cemetery in
Howard Kansas, where she will be near her parents.

In lieu of flowers, Connie requested that memorial contributions be
given to the emergency fund at the Highland Park United Methodist
Church, 2914 SE Michigan Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66605.

Connie's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service

To leave the family a special message, please select the 'Share Memories' button above.