Jean was born in Denver, CO on December 7, 1934 and passed away November 22, 2008 in Kennewick, WA. In 1944 she moved with her family to Richland. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1953, attended Loretto Heights College in Denver and returned to Kennewick in 1960. In 1961 she married Jim McConnell; they lived in each of the Tri-Cities for a time and she earned her LPN at CBC. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and church organizations.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Elsie Prather and a grandson Jerry Smith. She is survived by her husband Jim, her two daughters Mary Kay and Anne, grandchildren Stefan, Nikolas and Melissa and four great-grandchildren.

Jean was most known for her strong faith, her generosity and her giving spirit. Her family was her foremost priority and her love was felt by all who knew her, near and far. She was a beloved wife, mother and friend and will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Kennewick, with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place the night prior, at 7:00 PM Tuesday the 25th, at St. Joseph's Chapel. Viewing will be during the Rosary.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted to St. Joseph's church, Hospice, or charity of choice.