Funeral Mass of Karolyn Connell

Karolyn Rita (Siver) Connell, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 29, at 11:30 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the church starting at 10:00 am. Interment of ashes will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Parnell.
Karolyn is survived by her daughters, Cari (Dan) Lichtman of Atlanta, GA, and Caron Buckley of Murfreesboro, TN; three grandsons, Zach Buckley and Ian Buckley of Murfreesboro and Rory Lichtman of Atlanta; two sisters-in-law, Sandy Siver of Long Beach, CA, and Stella Siver of Cedar Rapids; two brothers-in-law, Joe Burns of Cary, NC, and Brian (Lori) Connell of Fort Myers Beach, FL; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 1998; her parents and parents-in-law; a grandson, Drew Lichtman; her sister, Marilyn (Lex) Weers; her brothers, Bob Siver, Bill (Joanne) Siver, Don (Nancy) Siver, Ron Siver, and John Siver; and a sister-in-law, Marijane Burns.
Karolyn was born on November 24, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of George and Rita Ward Siver. She was a member of the first graduating class from LaSalle High School in 1964. On October 25, 1969, Karolyn married James Leo Connell in Cedar Rapids. Karolyn worked as a secretary for many years at St. Patrick’s School, the Sisters of Mercy, and St. Patrick’s Church.
Karolyn was a devoted mother and grandmother, who loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an active and lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church. Karolyn was always ready to play cards or games. She also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and watching gameshows. Many of Karolyn’s favorite memories came from traveling. She loved visiting family in California, making two trips to Ireland, and most especially, going South to spoil her grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice. The Mass will be livestreamed on St. Patrick Catholic Church's Facebook Page at 11:30 on Saturday.Click here for Livestream.