Shirley Mcconnell

Waynesville, Shirley Patricia Cloutier McConnell, 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at her residence surrounded by family and friends. Born in Montreal, Canada, Shirley lived in Haywood County for the last 24 years. She was the daughter of the late Emile and Stella Bryant Cloutier and was preceded in death by her husband, P.E. "Gene" McConnell, who died in 1997; three sisters; and one brother. Shirley was trained in classical piano and organ at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Montreal. A professional musician, she performed throughout Canada and south Florida. She lived in Miami, Florida and Griffin, Georgia before retiring to Waynesville. Shirley was the long-time organist and choir director at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She had many loving neighbors and friends, and loved to travel and spend time with her family. Shirley is survived by a daughter, Nanette Jarrell (Tony Barrow) of Goldsboro, North Carolina; a son, Marc Mitchell (Jenny) of Madison, Mississippi; one sister, Jeannine Chawsky of Montreal, Canada; a brother, Frank Cloutier (Marilyn), of Sylva; five grandchildren, Emily Powell (Alex), Benjamin Mitchell (Rebekah), Andrew Mitchell, John Jarrell and James Jarrell; six great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in Canada at a later date. Shirley will be inurned at Notre-Dames-des-Neiges Cemetery in Montreal. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: St Joseph's Academy, Director Sister Mary Ruth, 175 Rich Cove Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, 828-926-5385.