Age 75, of Honolulu, HI, passed away on July 10, 2022 of a lingering illness. Mary Jane grew up on Northlawn St. NE in Grand Rapids, MI. She was a 1965 graduate of Marywood Academy. She graduated with a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Michigan. Her post graduate work included Northwestern University M.A. and Fordham University School of Law, J.D.While in Grand Rapids, Mary was active with the Circle in the Park Theatre then located at John Ball Park. She taught Speech and Drama and French at South Middle School.
Mary Jane moved to Honolulu and was a partner at Carlsmith Ball Law Firm In the firm's Honolulu office from 1985 to 2015 as a member of the Tax, Estate Planning & Wealth Management Practice Group. She was named the Honolulu Best Lawyers Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year in 2010. She was selected by attorney peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America Trusts and Estates 2010 and 2016. Mary Jane was a Fellow of ACTEC, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel from 1996-2018 and during her tenure served on the Board of Regents. Mary Jane was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Hawaii in 2007.
Mary Jane will be missed by her loving husband of over 25 years Gary L. Connell (Honolulu), her sisters Margaret Maxim, Nancy Huhn (David) and brother John Connell (Liz) all of Grand Rapids. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Mary Jane is preceded in death by her parents Jeremiah Jerome (Jerry) and F. Louise (Newberg) Connell, her brother James Robert (Wink) Connell and her brother-in-law John Maxim.
Charitable contributions in Mary Jane's name can be sent to The Girl Scouts of Hawaii at gshawaii.org. Serviced by Borthwick Mortuary.
