Lucy Claire Hoard Connell

Lucy Claire Hoard Connell July 27, 1922 - July 8, 2008 Lucy Claire Hoard Connell, 85, of El Paso, Texas died on July 8, 2008. Claire died peacefully at home after a long illness and was surrounded by family and close friends. Claire was born on July 27, 1922 in Baton Rouge, LA to Dorothy Tisdale. She and her four lovely sisters and brother were the foster children of Mr. and Mrs. L. Roy Hoard. Claire graduated from Austin High School in 1939 and continued her education at Christian College in Columbia, MO. She married US Army Lt. David Garland in 1943 and gave birth to her daughter. During Lt. Garland’s service overseas, she was a typical war time mother and Red Cross Volunteer Nurse’s Aide. She later married Lt. Cdr. Jesse Connell, to whom she was married for 64 years and had one son. Claire gave generously of her time and talents, both to the church and the community, even as she owned or managed several business enterprises over the years. She was involved with the Southwestern Sun Carnival for many years and in 1958 served as Vice-President of the Queen’s Court. During the years 1965-1968, she served as President of the Women’s Committee of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Association; Director of the Women’s Department of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce and Chairwoman of the United Cerebral Palsy Association Telethon. Claire was also a long time member and officer of the Junior League of El Paso and the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Clements Episcopal Church. She was a talented and prolific watercolorist and artisan of stained glass and ceramics. Claire is survived by her daughter, Gayle Ruth Connell and son, William Dudley Connell; Consuela “Concha” Garcia, her companion of 41 years; Daisy, her ever faithful little white dog and many other dear friends and family members. The family would like to give special thanks to La Mariposa Hospice, 1250 Cliff Dr., Ste. 5E, El Paso, TX 79902 for the extraordinary care given to Claire. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are sent to the Hospice or a charity of your choice in the name of Claire Hoard Connell. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West.