Donna Marie (Danckert) Connell

Donna Marie Danckert Connell, age 70, of Jersey Way, Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead. 

Born April 7, 1952, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Donna was the daughter of Robert J. Danckert and Anna E. Rahilly Danckert. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Cassie Marie Connell; a son, Christopher Daniel Connell; and a niece, Annie Neely.

Donna is survived by her loving family:  husband, Daniel Joseph “Dan” Connell, whom she wed August 26, 1972, at Saint Gabriel Catholic Church in Connersville, Indiana; daughter, Molly Connell Litteral of Morehead, Kentucky; sons, Brian Joseph Connell of Lexington, Kentucky, and David Kwo of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren, Jonathan, Jamison, Julie, and Jayden Litteral; and great granddaughter, Journee Litteral.

Other survivors to cherish her memory include her sister, Diane Danckert Jinks of Lexington, Kentucky; nieces and nephews, Adriana Neely Baldwin, Emily Neely Burton, Melanie Neely, Ryan Neely, Justin Neely, Joseph Neely, Josh Neely, and Tiara Danckert, as well as extended family and many dear friends she made during her earthly journey.

Donna was a woman of great Christian faith beginning in high school serving as president of her deanery Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and continuing to be involved in local parishes in Indianapolis, Louisville and Morehead at Jesus Our Savior.  She served on parish councils as well as being involved with the Diocese of Lexington Cursillo Movement until her health prevented her from participating.  Although her health limited her participation in recent years, she treasured being an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Her faith led her to be involved in organizations that served victims and those on the margins of society.  She volunteered at the Rape Crisis Center and the Council on Developmental Disabilities in Louisville.  After moving to Morehead she continued to volunteer with organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities.  After earning her associate degree from Morehead State University she served as a Head Start Family Advocate with Morehead State University and Gateway Community Services.

More than her career and volunteer experiences she enjoyed being a wife, mom, “Nanny” and aunt.  She had fun with family and friends. She especially valued time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces and nephews.  Her smile lit up the room and she enjoyed traveling to new places and meeting new people.

The family is especially grateful to those who assisted and prayed for Donna during these last years when she struggled with numerous health issues.  Special thanks to St. Claire Home Health, especially Erica Lewis, RN and St. Claire Hospice and Palliative Care, Leah Ann Owens.  Special thanks also to the many caregivers, especially Sarah Lewis.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 2, 2022, at Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church (315 Battson Avenue, Morehead, KY 40351) from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 p.m. with Father Arturo Molina officiating.

Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers:  Jonathan Litteral, Jamison Litteral, Ryan Neely, Justin Neely, Tony Burton, Aaron Baldwin

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Jesus our Savior Catholic Church Beautification Fund, 315 Battson Avenue, Morehead, KY 40351 or MSU Foundation TRIO Scholarship, 150 University Blvd. 1887, Morehead, KY 40351 or Council for Opportunity in Education, 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005-3516.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements.      

View video tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Marie (Danckert) Connell, please visit our floral store.