Sarah Cecilia Connell, age 99, formerly of Wesleyville, died Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at Cambridge Springs Rehab and Nursing Facility where she resided since June, 2002. Born on May 14, 1911 in Granville, NY, she was a daughter of the late Philip Sywert and Marie Close Sywert. On August 25, 1937 she married Lawrence Verklas Connell, Sr. and he preceded her in death on June 9, 1991.

Connell, Sarah CeciliaA homemaker, Sarah loved being a wife and mother and dedicated her life to caring for her family. She was a devoted Christian. Sarah enjoyed playing cards and games, and had belonged to the Red Hat Society.

Preceding Sarah in death, in addition to her parents and husband, was a sister – Alice Griffing and a brother – James Close. Surviving family members include a son – Lawrence V. Connell, Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Venango; six grandchildren – Michael Wiler; Jeffrey Wiler and his companion, Lynn Trombetta; Scott Wiler and his wife, Conasega; Paula Wiler Hammock and her husband, Kenneth; Pamela Owen and her husband, Randolph; and Sean Lawrence Connell and his wife, Dr. Cindy Sun. There are also seventeen great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren who survive.

Friends are invited to attend funeral services at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Saturday morning. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral from 10:00 until 11:00. The funeral will begin at 11:00. Interment will be in Winter Green Gorge Cemetery, Erie.