We Would Like to Take a Moment to Pay Tribute to Those We Have Lost
Jane Llewellyn Brown was born to Hale and Eloise Brown on July 8, 1955 in Richmond Heights, Missouri and grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri. She earned a degree in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 1977. She thereafter earned a Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1980, and earned an LL.M. in Tax Law (Masters of Law) from Washington University in 1981. She married William C. Cooper on August 30, 1980.
Jane and her husband moved to Texas in 1981 where, over the next decade, she worked in the private practice of law for law firms in Odessa and Fort Worth, Texas, and served as in-house tax counsel for the LTV Corporation and Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company in Dallas, Texas.
In October of 1991, Jane and her husband moved to Colorado where she was employed for eight years with the state of Colorado in the Office of Legislative Legal Services providing legal support to the state legislature. Thereafter, Jane was employed with Qwest Communications as a procurement strategic sourcing manager until July, 2007 after which time she became fully disabled and unable to work as a result of her multiple sclerosis.
Jane was devastated after losing her career. Wayne Connell, fellow co-worker at Qwest and the founder of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), called Jane and told her about IDA. Jane was reluctant to check it out, but she had told Wayne she would, so she did. She joined the Invisible Disabilities online Community and started talking with other members about her loss and new life. Soon after, she joined the welcome committee where new members were met with open arms and listening ear.
One day, Jane asked IDA if they could open a Chat Room. They told her that it would require someone to moderate it, so if she was willing to do that, we would set one up! She was unsure of what it would all entail but jumped in any way! Jane quickly became a novice and reached out to thousands of people with her big heart and quippy wit! She was a HOOT! Everyone LOVED Jane and flocked to her chats!
In 2009, Jane decided she would venture out even more and see if she could meet someone she could have coffee with face to face. So, she established a local Meetup group called, Disabled people want to meetup too! for people living with disabilities. She provided leadership for weekly coffees and other special events such as annual picnics, adaptive kayaking and Holiday dinners. The group quickly grew and has over 500 members today! Jane continued to be active in her group for many, many years, until she was no longer able to attend.
In 2011, Jane was awarded the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Volunteer Award for the work she did through IDA’s community, chatroom and her Meetup. Jane was humbled by the award, but she deserved it! Because of her, hundreds of people found new friendships and family!
Jane Llewellyn Brown
1955 – 2019
Carole passed from this earthly life on Monday 09-09-19 at 9:09 am at Porter Hospice in Centennial, CO. She was 83.
Carole battled many illnesses for years including lung and breast cancer. It was a gruelingly, long road, but Carole was a fighter and she lived many years past her prognosis. She is peaceful now in the arms of our Lord, her son Jim, sister Shirley, her parents Al & Gladys, along with other family members and friends.
Carole loved music! She was dancing in the crib, before she could walk, earning her the nickname, “Paddlefoot” from her Daddy. She danced around the house, doing her chores and even wore her tap shoes to school! She went to Cahokia High School in Illinois, where she played the French horn in the band and was the Prom Queen her Senior year. Carole went to college at Southern Illinois University, where Carole the dancer met Ron the musician. Carole and Ron were married in 1955 and had three children.
Later, Carole and the children moved to Colorado, where she was a very successful Fashion Coordinator for Koret of California, competing in a man’s world. She found her niche as a merchandiser, clothing representative and model. After moving to Grand Junction, she opened her own high fashion women’s shop downtown. Next, Carole moved to Wyoming, where she became a very competitive in radio advertising sales and property management, winning many contests and opening accounts that nobody else could!
When Carole retired from her careers, she continued her passion for people and making a difference in the lives of others, everywhere she went. Carole used her business and people skills when she founded a very successful organization called, The Breakfast Club Singles 50+. She started with small breakfast meetings, where people could meet new friends, but it didn’t stop there! Carole’s personal touch of answering the phone lines where she talked to countless single, widowed and divorced people for many hours, inviting them to the breakfasts and greeting them at the door with a giant smile and hug, set the groundwork for the popularity and reputation of this club! With the help of her amazing TBC team, it grew to over 700 members and even more chapters opened up in Colorado, adding more and more events and activities! Carole continued to answer the phone line and plan events, even after due to health issues, she could no longer attend the events … that is what a selfless person Carole was. Eventually, her illness became too great to do so, which really broke her heart. TBC was her life’s work to embrace people with love and connect them with life changing companionships. Many friendships were formed, and lives were changed through TBC, which still remains active today!
Carole was also on the Executive Board of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). She was their biggest champion, lending wonderful ideas, inspiration and excitement to the board. She loved to share their message of awareness, education and support for millions living with illness, pain and disability to everyone she met, right up until the last weeks of her life.
Carole loved her parents, siblings, cousins and family more than anything on this earth. Though Carole was very successful in her career and her non-profit work, Carole’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her most cherished accomplishments. And Carole’s love for people didn’t stop with her career, TBC, IDA nor her family. Even when Carole was ill and struggling, she was known for taking someone’s hand and thanking them for caring for her, followed by blowing them a big kiss on their way out the door!
Carole fought a very long, difficult and painful battle with cancer for eight and a half years. Despite her loving, giving, selfless demeanor, she was the toughest, feistiest, most determined person we have ever known, far surpassing any prognosis ever given. Her faith remained strong and she would be the first to tell you that “only by the grace of God” could she do it. Carole may not be with us physically on this earth anymore, but she will always be in our hearts, encouraging us all to by example to reach out to others, no matter where you are in life.
Carole Mitchell
1936 – 2019
Laurie Hajny lived the last 10 years with a rare pain condition that greatly limited her mobility. She still found the energy to go on nature walks. She was a California girl living in the Pacific Northwest and took every opportunity to go outside whenever the weather allowed. She was a vegan for over 20 years and loved animals. She spent her days listening to 60’s psych, watching Disney movies, and creating quilling art. She will forever be in our hearts.
Laurie Hajny
1980 – 2018
Sean Marino
Jim Macagno
Russ Connell was the father of IDA’s founder and president, Wayne Connell. Russ was born in Stuart, Nebraska, and lived on a homestead farm in Mariaville, Nebraska (North Central Nebraska) until the age of 9. The family then moved to Mesa, Arizona and lived there until 1950 and then relocated to La Crescenta, California. He attended Glendale High School, graduating in 1956. He then attended Letourneau College in Longview, Texas for one year and transferred to Fresno State College in California, receiving a B.S. in Industrial Engineering in 1961. He then did a stint in the Air Force and Air National Guard. His first job was with Armstrong Rubber Company near Hanford, California until 1966, and he then took a job with Gates Rubber Company in Denver, Colorado. He worked for Gates in various engineering capacities, retiring in 1998. While working at Gates, he received an MBA from the University of Colorado. After retirement, he designed and built his dream house near Buena Vista, Colorado and eventually settled back in west Denver due to health issues.
Along the way Russ married Karen Parent and they had three sons, Rusty, Wes and Wayne. They also adopted their daughter Susan from Korea when she was 8 years old. Karen and Russ parted ways in 1971. Russ later met Eloise Gonglach and they were married in 1973. Mark Gonglach, Eloise’s son, then joined the family.
Russ enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including collecting antique radios, woodworking, Amateur Radio and RVing. He was very involved in his church and loved the Lord.
Russ Connell
1938-2015
Matt was born and raised in Colorado. He battled several forms of cancer since the age of 2, survived many operations which disfigured his facial features and left him heavily scarred both physically and emotionally, yet through it all he kept going and had a tender spirit and heart for others, loved music both performing vocally and instrumentally enjoyed playing and watching sports, was an accomplished writer and advocate for homeless, poverty and disability issues. In his youth he won many awards for his singing abilities as well as in sports, he earned his nickname Giant not only due to his physical stature, presence and strength, but because of his heart and giving and generous nature.
During his adult years Matt won praise from Presidents, Congress members and other public figures for his writings, including a published book of poetry, and advocacy for homeless poverty and disability issues. Matt’s writing can be read and his book ordered on his blog: A View from the Street. In 2013 he received a Mayoral proclamation making May 25th, Matt Barrett day in Seattle.
In place of flowers or a memorial service he asked that people donate to one of these three great causes: The Invisible Disabilities Association, Greater Seattle Cares, and The Watershed Center. His ashes will be planted in a tree at the Watershed Center by his dear friend Brooke. He is survived by and will be missed by a vast network of loving friends and family.
Matt Barrett
1965-2014
Karen was the mother of IDA’s founder and president, Wayne Connell. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and was the oldest daughter of four children, with one brother and two sisters. She grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado where she was passionate about caring for her horses and riding them faster than all the boys. She graduated from GJHS and began nursing school, but opted to marry and have a family. She was blessed with one girl and four boys: Susan, Rusty, Wes, Wayne and Shawn, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and foster children.
She retired as an Associate Underwriter at Colorado Casualty. She lived on the Front Range in Colorado and for a short while in southwest Missouri. Karen was an active member of various churches in the Denver Metro area where she loved to play the organ and piano, feed the hungry, and help the needy. Her precious faith in Jesus empowered her to face many trials in life and face death with great peace and security. Wherever she was, she passionately cared for the people and animals in her life, especially for those who were down and out. Karen loved to scrapbook and quilt for those she loved. She loved sending cards on special occasions and giving gifts to children in the family.
Throughout her life, she adored her many cats that gave her unconditional love. She loved recounting family stories. Her greatest achievement was being a mother and grandmother, loving many and being loved by so many more. Karen asked that people donate to IDA in her memory.
Karen Espinosa
1942-2014
Susan was a warrior battling Lyme Disease. She was a fighter and amidst it all had a huge heart to reach out to others. Susan was a long-time and cherished member of the Invisible Disabilities Community. Those of us who knew her were blessed by her love and desire to “make a difference” in someone’s life. Susan did not part from this world without leaving lots of loving hand-prints on many hearts.We will remember her with the huge smile on her face at the Booth Brothers concert with Michael Booth, where she found such great joy (left). Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Larry and the rest of Susan’s family.
Susan Fultz
1970-2013
Jim was the brother of the IDA Founder’s wife, Sherri Connell. He had struggled with severe pain for many years, then took a bad turn after major neck surgery last summer and unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. Jim was a “Harley Man.” He loved motorcycles, fast cars, go carts and dune buggies. He also had a gorgeous voice and loved to sing karaoke. But most of all, Jim was a family man. One of his favorite sayings was, “Always remember, Family First!” His Mom always told him, “You have the best characteristics any man could ever have and I call that “Tough and Tender.”
Jim wasn’t just a “Big Guy” in stature, he was the one with the “Biggest & Best Hugs” and a really “Big Heart.”Person after person told stories of how Jim always put others first and was always there for them when they needed help .Jim was very supportive of the work that the Invisible Disabilities Association does to help others like his baby sister, Sherri. He traveled to attend the banquets with pride for what IDA was doing to bring awareness and support around the world. Also, for nearly 20 years, he was a part of the Western Slope Annual Toy Run by the Western Slope Harley Owners Group, taking toys in a cavalcade of motorcycles and hot-rods to children through the Salvation Army. He will live in many hearts forever!
Jim Mitchell
1959-2011
Karen Dickson-Gallegos was born and raised on a farm in Wray, Colorado. She is the mother of four wonderful children; three boys and one girl. Karen had recently married Pat Gallegos in 2008. She enjoyed animals of all kinds, her pets, reading, crosswords and cooking. One of Karen’s greatest joys was singing karaoke with family and friends. Karen was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend to many. She is greatly missed.
Karen Gallegos
1957-2011
Bethany Hecht
1963-2011
Jason was diagnosed with both a pituitary brain tumor and kidney disease. He had successful brain surgery and received a kidney transplant donated by his mother. However, the kidney functioned at a minimum and he began battling a rare brain cancer. Jason credited his faith in God, support of his family and friends and good medical care with keeping him emotionally strong during his many trials. Jason unexpectedly passed away from a sudden, massive brain bleed.
Jason Graham
1973-2011
Will (William Neal) Fletcher passed away October 22, from complications of the HlNl virus. He was Will was born on July 14, 1963, in Yuma, Colorado. From the age of 14 he worked for several different theater companies in Alaska, working his way up from concessions to District Manager retiring because of ill health. He moved back to Colorado to the family ranch at Deckers, Colorado.
Will had three sons, Rae and twins Jon and William. He was a loving father who said his life’s desire was to have a family and be a good dad. He is survived by his two younger sisters, a brother seven years older who shared his birthday and his parents. An older sister died at age 10. Will is sadly missed by everyone in his family and had he lived would now have a granddaughter (Rae’s daughter born in 2013) who he would have cherished.
William Fletcher
1963-2009
Kim T. Mills
1954-2009
H. Paul Cottrell
1929-2008
Shirley was active in her church and enjoyed art such as pottery and painting. She also loved country living and horseback riding. She was very close to her family. Her brother and 2 sisters, kids and grandkids were her world. She is missed by many.
Jenni Decker lived the last 4 years of her life, mostly bedridden due to a rare and complex pain disorder. Even so, Jenni’s love and passion for others was evident to those around her and her faith remained steady. Jenni was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. She has been greatly missed by so many.
Jennifer “Jenni” Decker
1969-2007
Jim Juhl, Jr was only 17 years old when his life was suddenly taken from this world. Jim unknowingly contracted Bacterial Meningitis and was gone in a blink of an eye. Jim was very active in scouts, church and his family. His family and friends miss him beyond words.
Michael Stephenson had Cystic Fibrosis, a lung disease that usually takes a life at a very young age. Everyone loved Michael, his soft spoken voice and contagious smile. Although Michael was very ill, he often thought of others first. Michael thought for a long time he would never marry, but he found the love of his life, Gina in his 40′s and couldn’t have been happier. Michael passed away at the age of 50.
Michael Stephenson
1956-2006
