Kathleen M. Connell, age 78, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Kathleen was born in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Jane (Donnelly) and James Stoltz. Kathleen graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School and went on the become a teacher's aide for multiple preschools, but most notably the Elsmere Presbyterian Childcare Center. Kathleen enjoyed doing arts and crafts with her children and grandchildren and got great joy out of decorating her house each year for the holidays. In her free time, Kathleen loved traveling, cooking, going to the Jersey Shore, especially Sea Isle City, and spending time with her family and friends. In addition to her parents, Kathleen was also predeceased by her sister, Patricia Mocarski.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Thomas "Thom" Connell; daughters, Catherine "Katie" Connell, and Claire Walsh and her husband, Matthew Walsh; grandchildren, Marygrace, Olivia, Connell "CJ", and Khloe; sisters, Susan Mele, and Joanie Harp; brother, James Stoltz; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends whom she all loved.

A Chapel Service for Kathleen will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11am, at Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Kathleen's name to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, P.O Box 8215, Philadelphia, PA 19101.