Sarah M. Connell

Sarah Margaret Dowling Connell, 85, of Bowie, MD died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. Sarah was born in Knoxville, TN on Feb. 5, 1933 and grew up in SE Washington, DC. She resided in Bowie, MD since 1993, following the death of her beloved husband, Rolland E. Connell. She is survived by her five children; Susan Burdett (Peter) NH, Sharon Botwin (Brad) MD, Rolland P. Connell MD, Sallie Jo Marker (Dan) MD, and Russell Connell (Kellye) FL; 13 grandchildren: Rebekah Burdett Baker (James), FL; Deborah Burdett Schumaker, GA; John Burdett (Lauren), NH; Thomas Burdett, CA; Alexandra Botwin Wells (Stephen), U.K.; Harrison Botwin (Mallory), TX; Greg Robey (Amanda), MD; Samantha Burgess, MD; Garrett Connell, MD; Petty Officer Second Class Case Marker, USN, HI; Riley Marker, MD; Ashley Connell, FL; and Erin Connell, FL.; and 10 great-grandchildren. A cheerleader and valedictorian of her high school graduating class, Sarah then went to work at Bolling AF Base where she met Rolland, affectionately known to her family as Danny, on a blind date. Married in 1952, the couple raised children in DC, IL, OH and New Carrollton, MD. Sarah worked for the Department of Defense and then retired from Leland Memorial Hospital Admitting Department. After moving to Bowie, Sarah was active in the Bowie Community Center and Bowie Senior Center as both a volunteer and participant involved in many trips and programs. Her favorite activities included line dancing, various exercise classes, crafts, cards and board games. Her love of crossword puzzles, brain teasers and scrabble kept her mind sharp until the end. She was generous in her financial support of many charities. As the loving matriarch of her large extended diverse family, Sarah enjoyed nothing more in this world then spending time with them. Her love of family and ensuring that all stay connected is the greatest life lesson she shared. A memorial service is being planned for the spring at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the AAMC DARE to C.A.R.E. Vascular Screening Program http://daretocare.us/donate/ and/or the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving