Doris Elaine Valentine McConnell

Doris Elaine (Valentine) McConnell passed into the arms of the Heavenly Father on Thursday October 8, 2015 after a long illness with her lungs, which were damaged by dry cleaning fumes which also took her husband.

Born July 18, 1924 in Hagerstown, she was the daughter of the late John S. and Virginia O. (Miller) Valentine.

Doris was a 1943 graduate of Hagerstown High School and had attended as many reunions as she could.

She worked at Fairchild Industries and later in Omaha as an x-ray coordinator at Bishop Clarkson Hospital. She had previously co-owned a dry cleaning plant in Omaha with her late husband.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband, R. Dale McConnell, who died Feb. 13, 1982 in Omaha, NE. She moved back 'home' to Hagerstown after his death to be with her family. Her two brothers, John H. Valentine and C.E. "Val" Valentine also preceded.

Doris was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church; American Legion Post 42 Auxiliary; VFW Auxiliary; Purple Heart Auxiliary Omaha Chapter 260; Washington County Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer; AARP; and the Hagerstown Lioness Club. She enjoyed crafts, utilizing things like Heloise Hints, reading, crocheting and especially sewing as a seamstress all her life. Sewing was her passion. She even crocheted little booties and hats for the preemies during her volunteer work with WCHA. Anything crafty, she has probably done it! Doris read books daily, as well as her daily crossword puzzles and she loved her favorite TV shows; Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Dancing with the Stars!

Doris is survived by her daughter, Barbara J. O'Connor (John) of State Line, PA; two beloved grandsons and their wives that she loved like her own, Jason L. Darr (Lindsey) and Eric T. Darr (Eileen); five awesome and much loved great-grandchildren whom she always had hidden candy by her chair for, Alex, Alyssa, Ryan, Evan, and Elliott. She so enjoyed their visits! She is also survived by her dear friend, Anna Graves along with Pepper, a companion and helper. Miss Anna graciously and lovingly kept Doris from a nursing home by being her 'legs' in the kitchen and running errands. She was a Godsend to Barbara.

Her daughter Barbara was her loving caregiver, when she became unable to walk. Barbara's husband, John M. O'Connor, was her definite "best man". She looked forward to John's daily visits and would light up when he arrived. Barbara was fortunate to be there holding her mother's hand as she passed away, having got to say many goodbyes and having deep talks with her that meant so much.

Doris maintained her natural sense of humor until the end and those who know our family know that she took orders from Barbara very well only questioning a few. We are all so glad we could support her wishes to stay at home. This couldn't have been accomplished without Hospice.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00am on Monday, October 12, 2015 at Rest Haven Funeral Chapel, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, with Pastor Edward Heim officiating. Burial will be private in Rosehill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 6-8pm on Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the wonderful Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.