December 27, 2012       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Toni-Jo J. McConnell, 55, Watertown, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 26, in the emergency room at Samaritan Medical Center after a brief illness. 

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home with Rev. Steven Murray officiating. Calling hours will be held 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the funeral home. Spring burial will be held in Brookside Cemetery.

Born June 20, 1957, the daughter of Edward and Josephine Oliver Bell, she was educated at Watertown High School. 

She was a long-time employee of Car Freshner Corp., Watertown, as a material handler, leaving due to health reasons. She also worked for Cheseborough Ponds, Inc., Mercy Hospital, and Pete’s Restaurant.

Toni loved being a homemaker, crocheting afghans and cooking for family and friends. She took great pride in her home and taking care of her family. 

She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, boundless energy, and her endless sense of humor.

She has left us and joined her brother, Richard Bell, who passed in July 2011.

Surviving are her mother and step-father, Josephine and Gerald Scee, Theresa; her father and step-mother, Edward “Pete” and Hertha Bell, Watertown; her longtime companion, Charles McConnell, Watertown; two sons, Robert Hoover, Lorraine and James Hanson, New Orleans, LA; two daughters, Pauline (Justin) Maples, Wichita, Kansas, and Maria McConnell, Watertown; three brothers, Edward “Pete” Bell and companion Tina French, Watertown, Robert (Ramona) Bell, Dexter, and Wayne Bell, Watertown; two sisters, Carol (John) Gilboy, Porters Corners, N.Y., and Christine Bell (Pete Corbett), Watertown; as well as several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Donations may be made in her name to the Salvation Army where she had been a volunteer.

Condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.







Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.