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PEARL (MARGARET MARY) MCCONNELL (MARGARET MARY)
Born: Mar 03, 1937
Date of Passing: Jul 27, 2019
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PEARL (MARGARET MARY) MCCONNELL
March 3, 1937 - July 27, 2019
Pearl was predeceased by her husband Gerald Passey in 2017; her beloved parents, Samuel and Sarah McConnell, brother Samuel McConnell and sister-in-law Paulette McConnell.
Pearl will be sadly missed by her three daughters, Shannon Bradley, Shayleen Finucan (Alan Owen) and Shauna Clarke (Chris Clarke), four grandchildren, Sarah Bradley, Aidan Clarke, Rhiannon Clarke and Arannan Clarke, brothers, Raymond McConnell (Judy) and Brian McConnell (Cathy), numerous nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends.
Pearl was born in Ballymena, in the North of Ireland in 1937 and immigrated to Canada with her family when she was 11. Pearl's memories of her childhood in Ireland were some of the happiest of her life and her wish was to return home to Ireland.
Pearl grew up in a family steeped with Irish music and dance and she carried on that tradition proudly. She was a gifted dancer, choreographer and teacher who worked with her parents at McConnell School of Dance her entire lifetime. Pearl performed and choreographed over 300 CBC television shows including "Red River Jamboree" and "Pick the Stars" in Toronto. She was a regular dancer in Rainbow Stage productions and a choreographer for the "Hollow Mug" musicals for 10 years. Pearl established the "Norberry Dancers" when she was 16 and taught in Winnipeg, St. Norbert, St. Pierre, St. Adolphe and Carman. Pearl established the "Shannon Irish Dancers" at the Irish Association of Manitoba and worked with the Winnipeg Irish Association and Folklorama as a dancer and pavilion coordinator. In 1982, after Sam's passing and Sarah's retirement, Pearl took over the running of McConnell School of Dance until she retired in 2005. Pearl received a Citizenship Award from the City of Winnipeg for her community service work and taught thousands of young people throughout her career. Pearl was a well-respected teacher with the highest standards and always brought out the best in her dancers.
In her private life Pearl loved spending time with family, travelling, especially trips back home to Ireland, watching classic movies and gourmet cooking. She had an incurable sweet tooth and was always a champion for the underdog. She touched many lives and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
In keeping with Pearl's wishes, cremation has taken place and Pearl's ashes will be going back to her home in Ireland.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2019
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I recently discovered on the internet that this fine lady (my cousin) had died in 2019. On behalf of my sister Cynthia and other McConnell relatives in Ballymena and throughout N Ireland I send our sincere condolences to the Canadian branch of our family. I have a faint memory of Pearl in 1948 before she left Ballymena for Canada with her Mum and Dad and this photo of her shows her standing close to or on Harryville bridge in Ballymena many years later. I would like to think that she was named after my mother Pearl McConnell who also was a fine Irish Dancer in her time. - Posted by: Albert Everett (Cousin (nephew of the late Sam and Sarah McConnell) on: Sep 02, 2021
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So sad to hear of the passing of my beautiful cousin Pearl. I last saw her when she and Shayleen were visiting my sister, Deirdre, in Ireland. We had a good long lunch together at a Dublin hotel, though Pearl was far too busy regaling us to eat! Previously, when my husband and I visited Aunt Sarah in Canada in 1989, all of the McConnell family were generous and entertaining hosts. Meeting Pearl for the first time was very special, as she had been a great favourite of my father, Joseph. As a child, there was a black and white photograph on our piano showing all my McConnell cousins performing an Irish dance, with a most glamorous Pearl, once more, taking centre stage. My sincere condolences to you all for your sad loss. - Posted by: Vidette Ogden (née McNally) (First cousin) on: Jul 14, 2021
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Pearl was my dance teacher for at least 10 years starting in the early 1960's. I remember her very well. - Posted by: Gaylene Foster Lapointe ( She was a great teacher and I always thought she was so beautiful in every way. I am so sorry for) on: Oct 06, 2019
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My condolences to Pearl’s family. I was a dance student of hers back in the late ‘70s at the Irish Association, and thoroughly enjoyed my time learning from her. Writing this from Dublin. All my best during this difficult time. - Posted by: Cheryl Moore (Former Student) on: Aug 06, 2019
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Shayleen and all the rest of the family - I was so sorry to hear that Pearl had passed and so grateful that I had a chance to meet her and you six years ago - I am part of her McConnell family in Ballymena - and met her mum and dad when I was a young girl - my thoughts and prayers are with all of you and I send love from the Irish family - Yvonne xxxx - Posted by: Yvonne Mitchell (Second cousin) on: Aug 06, 2019
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My sincere condolences to the McConnell family after Pearl's passing. She was my first dance teacher at Norberry CC in the late 50s and she encouraged me to also take lessons downtown with her father, Sam McConnell. I danced for about 10 years at McConnell's and I remember those years fondly. Pearl had lots of patience and good humour to go along with her talent and dedication to promoting dance and celebrating Irish culture. She will be missed by so many people whose lives she touched. I know she's still dancing in heaven. - Posted by: Janis (Stech) Boux (former dance student) on: Aug 04, 2019
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My sincere sympathy to the McConnell family. Pearl was a warm friendly person to all she met. It has been very special to follow the McConnell dancers achieve new heights and enter into competitions around the world. Pearl dedicated herself to her career. I am a former student for 15 yrs. with Sam and Pearland enjoyed being part of the McConnell dance group. She will be greatly missed. Donna (Lee) McLaughlin. - Posted by: Donna (Lee) McLaughlin (Student) on: Aug 04, 2019
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Shayleen, Shauna and Shannon, my most sincere condolences on Pearl's passing. You were all such a big part of my life growing up and I often referred to Pearl as a second mom as she taught me so much throughout my 15+ years with McConnell. I will never forget those years and I will never forget your mom, her spark and how amazing she was. Xoxo - Posted by: Lauranne Benoit (Former McConnell student) on: Aug 04, 2019
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Deepest Condolances to Shayleen, all the McConnell family and the McConnell Irish Dancers. Pearl was a lovely woman who was so proud of her family and all her dancers. She loved life and lived it to the full. May she Rest In Peace. “Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis”. Ann,Deane and all in Scoil Rince Ní Anglais. - Posted by: Ann English (Friend) on: Aug 04, 2019
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Our sincere condolences to Shayleen, Shannon, Shauna & families. Pearl has been a member of our "extended" family for 46 years and she was a very dear friend and we will miss her dearly. - Posted by: Noel & Lila White (Friends) on: Aug 03, 2019
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Sincere condolences to the McConnell family. Our parents were close friends of Sam & Sara & have many decades of fabulous memories over that time. Pearl was a sweetheart & a tremendous contribution to the cultural society of Manitoba. Rest In Peace, you surely deserve it. - Posted by: Lynn & Wally MacMartin (Friends) on: Aug 03, 2019
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I joyfully remember dance lessons at the local Community Club (circa 1960s) with Pearl & her Dad Sam with much pleasure. My condolences to Her Family & Friends. - Posted by: Kathleen Axtell (former student ) on: Aug 03, 2019
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Sincere condolences to the McConnell family in the passing of Pearl. I have known the wonderful McConnell family for some 70+ years. Our Mothers went to school together in Ireland. Many a happy evening was spent with the family and the Irish tunes happening. The Irish dancing lessons took place over the years and into adulthood. Pearl was a beautiful woman, an exceptional dancer and dance teacher. It is like an end to an another era of the McConnell family. May Pearl find a peaceful and beautiful resting place in Ireland. - Posted by: Judy (Watson) Battley (Family Friend) on: Aug 03, 2019
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Sincere condolences to you Shannon and Sara for your loss.... - Posted by: DIANE KEEP (FRIEND) on: Aug 03, 2019