McCONNELL, Jennifer Lynn (1968-2025)


It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Jennifer Lynn McConnell on September 15, 2025, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, just 10 days before her 57th birthday. Jennifer passed on peacefully after a long and courageous 3-year battle with colon cancer. She leaves behind her husband Zoli of 28 years, and her two beloved feline fur babies, Brie and Vesper. She will be profoundly missed by her loving mother Irene (Keith ) , her father James ( Engelina ), her sister Tracy and her brother Matthew, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Jennifer taught biology at Father Leo J Austin Catholic Secondary School for nearly 30 years. She had many friends among the faculty there and still kept in contact with many retirees from her school. Jennifer enjoyed the simpler things in life… reading a good book, talking on the phone (preferably a land line…), watching her favorite soap, The Y & the R, and tending to her devoted cats. Jennifer and Zoli (and the cats) would frequently go up north to their cottage, year round, to enjoy the peace and quiet of the lake. She enjoyed going for boat rides, taking walks, and getting chewed by the many varieties of bugs that cottage country has to offer! Well… maybe not that last one. Her favourite season at the cottage was the fall. Crisp autumn days, the beautiful display of colours… and, most importantly… no bugs! She had many friends among her cottage neighbours and will be dearly missed on the lake.
Jennifer will fondly be remembered for the sweet, kind and caring person that she was throughout her whole life. And of course, for her beautiful and radiant smile, that could light up a room. Friends may call at THORNTON CEMETERY & FUNERAL CENTRE, 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, (South of Taunton Road and off of Dryden Blvd, 905-579-6787) on Saturday September 27 from 11 am until time of chapel service at 12 noon. a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, I’m sure Jennifer would sincerely appreciate any donation to any Cat charity… not sure if you knew this, but she really loved cats.

Dearest Jennifer, you are my wife and the love of my life… today, tomorrow and forever.
Rest peacefully, my beloved Pooh.