Died March 27, 2024
NORTHPORT-Theda Tanner Connell, 96, of Northport, passed away on March 27, 2024, in Grand Rapids.
Theda was born on April 29, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, to Edward and Margie (Adkins) Tanner. On June 27, 1948, at Lake Shore Presbyterian in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, she married Gilbert Fred Connell, who preceded her in death on October 6, 2000.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Hannah (George) Connell, daughter and son-inlaw Robin Connell and Paul Brewer, and grandchildren Carrie Connell and Benny Brewer.
Long time Northport resident, Theda Connell, was very active in the area through the Lions Club, Northport Singers, Trinity UCC, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Questers, Northport Area Heritage Association, DAR, Habitat for Humanity, Friendship Force International and other groups.
Her passion was socializing with others whether within her family or interacting with friends through travel, church activities, service clubs, or genealogy. She and husband, Gilbert, named their retirement home in Northport “Habitacion Internationale” to celebrate and welcome guests from around the world. From an early age Theda was drawn to people from different cultures, observing their customs, languages, beliefs and religions. She was curious, always striving for meaningful connections, and never ignored the opportunity to learn about her world.
Theda grew up in St Clair Shores, MI, graduating from Lakeshore HS in 1944. She found a job in Detroit and saved her earnings to attend Western Michigan College, graduating with an Associates Degree in 1947.
In June 1948, she married Gilbert Connell, a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, who served on Liberty Ships during World War II delivering fuel and cargo to our troops in the Pacific Theater. Theda and Gilbert started their family with son, Richard, born in 1950, and daughter, Robin, in 1956. Church was central to their marriage, and family life, including Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Family camp, summer camp, singing in the church choir, and participating in social activism.
Theda was, by all accounts, a loving and loyal wife, mother, and daughter, devoted to each. In their last years of life, Theda provided significant care and love for her parents, her husband Gilbert, and her dear friend, Philip.
In addition to her roles as wife, and mother, Theda also became a career woman, completing her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Child Development at Wayne State University in 1965. She created an innovative two-year vocational program in Early Childhood Education at Ferndale High School. The FHS Laboratory Nursery School was the first such program in Michigan and one of very few in the U.S. Her high school students, through textbook and observational studies, and working in the Nursery School (of which she was the Director), received their Early Childhood Education Certification along with their HS diplomas at graduation. She was recruited by Royal Oak Schools to then create a Laboratory Nursery School at SEOVEC (SE Oakland Vocational Ed Center). Throughout her career Theda freely shared her research and curriculum with people across the USA. In 1976, The American Home Economics Association, and Family Circle, awarded her the Home Economics Teacher of the Year Award for ‘Outstanding contributions in educational and community programs.’
After retirement, Theda and Gil were finally able to live full time in Northport, albeit keeping just as busy as they had been while employed. In addition to participation in many community activities, Theda and Gil enjoyed several years of travel, much of it for genealogical research or personal enrichment. Participation in Friendship Force, as hosts as well as visitors, provided the opportunity to meet people from around the world and long-term friendships blossomed with friends in Japan and Australia.
After Gilbert died, Theda continued to travel, with longtime friend Philip Kellogg, for a few more years. In 2008 Theda traveled, with Robin, to the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, to visit her father’s family one last time.
In her final year, Theda greatly enjoyed sitting on her patio (or viewing the outdoors from her window), with frequent phone calls from her son, and almost daily visits with her daughter and son-in-law. She deeply loved her grandchildren, Benny, and Carrie, glimpsing the future through their eyes. She struggled with the loss of many loved ones yet understood that such heavy loss comes with a long and meaningful life. Her heart was full of gratitude which she continually expressed to all who visited or cared for her physical needs.
Memorial donations in Theda’s honor may be directed to the Northport Promise PO Box 292 Northport, MI 49670, Trinity Church, United Church of Christ PO Box 156 Northport, MI 49670, or Porter Hills Village 3600 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1st, at Trinity Church, United Church of Christ in Northport. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at Trinity Church UCC.
Burial will follow the service at the Leelanau Township Cemetery.
Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
In Theda’s own words, “I love life and people. Agape best describes it.”
