Tryon, NC - Edith James McConnell, age 70, passed away the 27th of May, exactly as she lived her life, with grace, dignity, and on her own terms while in the warm loving environment of the Hospice of the Carolinas. Edith was born on the 14th of July 1943, in Anderson, South Carolina, to Mary Eunice and John Thomas James, who preceded her in death. Edith will forever be known as the epitome of true beauty. Her ability to see the good in almost everything, her fierce loyalty to family and friends, the (sometimes frustrating) gift to always be right, her capacity for patience, and her source of inner strength, is a legacy that will influence her family for generations. She will also be remembered for her amazing ability to love. She loved her family and gave them everything they needed (not always what they wanted, but everything they needed). She loved her many friends and shared much with them. She loved her books, the journeys they took her, and her numerous book clubs she was involved with. And, she loved Tryon from the moment she accidentally arrived on that Super Saturday in 1979. Edith was a cornerstone of the St. Luke's Hospital where she successfully ran the lab department for close to 25 years. Edith was an active member of the Congregational Church where she gave generously and selflessly of her time and gifts through the choir and the Stephen's Ministry.Edith is preceded in death by her younger sister Tommie Ann Lengel. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend George McConnell who shared more than 45 years of marriage. She is also survived by her brother John Thomas James; by daughters Melissa McConnell Robins and her husband Jim, and Jennifer McConnell Brenner and her husband Anthony; by her son Christopher George McConnell and his wife Ann; by her niece Katherine Lengel Rauscher; by grandchildren Bailey Brenner, Avery Brenner, Collin McConnell, Elizabeth McConnell, Preston Andrews, Cooper Andrews, Stephanie Robins and Nicholas Robins; and by a multitude of family and friends You are invited to celebrate Edith's life at a Memorial Service in the Congregational Church at 210 Melrose Ave. Tryon, NC at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, May 31st. A reception will immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Edith's name may be directed to the Congregational Church, attention the Stephen's Ministry P.O. Box 1367 Tryon, NC 28782 or the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr. Columbus, NC 28722.
To
to the family, please