Colleen Mary Connell

Colleen Mary Connell, 83, of Davenport, IA passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Clarissa Cook Hospice House Bettendorf, IA. Cremation will take place with a private burial at Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, IL. Memorials in her name may be made to your favorite children’s charity. Please share condolences with the family at www.rungemortuary.com.

Colleen was born on August 2, 1941, in Quincy, IL to Inez (Scott) Connell and Michael J. Connell, Sr. She attended Quincy College and earned a degree in Education, teaching elementary school before returning to school earning her master’s degree and later specializing in reading recovery. She worked many years for Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, in the Quad Cities, before retiring and working independently as a reading consultant. Colleen was a life-long educator who enjoyed working to improve the lives and skills of all children.

Colleen was considered the “connector” of her large, extended family calling everyone and spilling the tea, making sure everyone knew everyone else’s news, even if it wasn’t always correct.

Left to honor her memory are her siblings Kathleen (Jerry) Schuckman of Quincy, IL, Eileen Owens of Monmouth, IL, Michael J. (Paula) Connell, Jr. of Davenport; eleven nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. In addition, special friends Jen (Royce) Rickman and Kenneth (Kim) Jay and their children, who she also considered her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law, William Owens, nephew Stephen Schuckman and niece-in-law Lisa Schuckman.