Tiffany McConnell

Tiffany May McConnell, 53, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly of natural causes in the early morning hours of Monday, October 28, 2024. Her world is finally quiet, and she is at peace.

Tiffany was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, attending Majestic Elementary, West Jordan Middle School, and West Jordan High School. She embraced her unique spirit and was a proud member of the New Wave crowd in the 1980s.

Tiffany adored music and was a huge Duran Duran fan in the early days and music ended up being such an important part of her life. She had diverse musical tastes and some of her favorite musical artists included Judas Priest, Blind Melon, LIVE, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 10cc, Queensrÿche, Beyoncé, James Taylor, and even a lot of country artists.

Tiff also had a great love of hats. She had one for every mood and occasion. They added to her personality and spunk and always looked adorable on her. She was also left-handed and ambidextrous. Her unique adaptability was reflected in her creative spirit.

In her late teens, while working at Hardee's on 2nd South and State Street, Tiffany met the love of her life, Matthew McConnell.

Her career as a server allowed her to brighten others' days with her genuine warmth and kindness. Tiffany had a remarkable gift for connecting with people and bringing out smiles in those she met.

Tiffany's greatest pride and joy were her children: Dylon, Sydney, and Tommy, whom she lovingly called by their special nicknames: Boo, Hurricane, and Cheese. She devoted herself to them wholeheartedly, her fierce love returned by her children with equal devotion.

In her late 20s, Tiffany faced the onset of schizophrenia, a difficult journey that she met with courage. A car accident in 2000 further complicated her battle with schizoaffective disorder. Even as her challenges grew, she held onto her love of art, drawing, and coloring for as long as she could. Her creative talent shone through until the voices became too great a distraction.

Through it all, Tiffany remained strong, kind, funny, and big-hearted, pouring her love into her family. She was known for her fierce hugs and gentle touch with animals, who were drawn to her kind spirit. Her extended McConnell family adored her, and her loss is deeply mourned, just as they mourned Matt's passing two years ago.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew McConnell; her grandparents, Elwyn & May Thomas; her stepfathers, Ron Hancock and Thomas Santiago; and her uncles, Barry, Russel, and Gary Thomas.

Tiffany is survived by her mother, Linda Santiago; her children, Dylon (Brandy), Sydney (Caleb), and Tommy McConnell; her sisters, Malinda Bills (Bob) and Michelle Doyle (Jason); her brother, Erik Thomas (Emillee); her brothers-in-law, Chad McConnell and Brian McConnell (Stephanie); her sister-in-law, Sherrell Robison; and a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will carry her memory, love, and laughter forward.

Tiffany's life was defined by resilience, humor, and boundless love for her family. Though her journey was marked by challenges, she faced them with courage, and she will be remembered for the warmth, joy, and laughter she (usually) shared with those who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday November 16, 2024, from 2:00 - 7:00 at her sister Malinda's house at 190 E 7800 S in Midvale, Utah.