Margaret "Peg" Connell

Peg Connell, age 76, passed away peacefully in Miami, Florida, surrounded by family members and great love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hamilton and Jane Johnson, loving husband, Jim Connell, sister, Penny Johnson, and nieces Diane Clymer and Susan Potok. Peg is survived by her daughter, Marsha DiDominico, sisters Lin (Rich) Clymer and Deb (Jess) Larson, brother Mark (Maky) Johnson, brother-in-law Rob (Bolaji) Potok, three grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Peg was the “well adjusted middle child,” growing up in Silver Lake, Ohio. There, she enjoyed an idyllic childhood and active lifestyle that overflowed with friends and school success. In 1964, the Johnson family relocated to East Grand Rapids, Michigan where Peg completed her final two years of high school before heading to Beloit College in Wisconsin. As was her style, Peg flourished both academically and socially, earning a degree in Psychology and making cherished friends along the way that would remain close and connected throughout the decades that followed.

 In 1968, Peg began her professional career as a revenue officer for the IRS in New York. There, she held various positions in the collection division until 1985 when she was selected chief, for the field branch in Baltimore. In 1987, she was named assistant chief of the collection division in Dallas and in 1989 was appointed chief, collection division in Baltimore. After completing the IRS Executive Selection and Development program in 1992, Peg was named director of taxpayer service and compliance in the office of the assistant commissioner (international), the position she held until her final appointment. Rounding out her career, Peg served as the assistant director of the Internal Revenue Service Newark District. There, she assisted the director in all federal tax matters in Newark, where in fiscal year 1993 individual, corporate and other taxpayers filed over 7 million federal tax returns and paid $54 billion in taxes. 

Peg was the consummate organizer, leader and go-getter who could always be counted on to attend to every detail, whether in her professional or personal life. Yet despite her many, many accolades and awards, Peg remained humble and devoted not only to her work, but to her family, friends or anyone who needed help. She was an inspiration to anyone lucky enough to know her.  Peg’s final move was to Londonderry, New Hampshire or “The Shire” as she called it. She and Jim loved New England, their small town and giving up frequent moves. In Londonderry, Peg put her abundant energy to good use, serving nearly 15 years on ALERT (A Londonderry Emergency Response Team) where she assisted local authorities in keeping her town running smoothly, safe and secure. 

Peg loved being outside, especially canoe camping with her husband, boating, playing with her labradors, snowmobiling in the Adirondacks, kayaking, swimming, tending her beautiful yard or painting anything that needed some attention! It was a joyful workout keeping up with Peg! Even before her official retirement, Peg was a world traveller, planning every detail for any and all companions and excursions. Given her enthusiastic lifestyle, it was only fitting that Peg should end her earthly journey doing something she loved with someone she loved: snorkeling with daughter, Marsha.

As she wished, Peg will be interred with her husband and alongside her parents in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At that time, a private, graveside service will be held. Peg’s life was one of perseverance, fierce loyalty, love and extraordinary experiences. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.