Connie Rooney Obituary

Connie Frances Rooney

Connie Frances Steece Rooney, 89, died of natural causes Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, at Heritage Assisted Living Facility.

Connie was born Aug. 4, 1933, in Wellston, Ohio, to Everett and Charlotte (Lottie) Steece. She grew up in Clintonville and attended Denison and The Ohio State University.

She was a commanding personality whose life focused on art - creating it, appreciating it, selling it, and teaching about it. Her career began as a medical illustrator at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Columbus, but that was put on hold when she married James Harry Rooney of Findlay in 1955.

They had five children, Bethany, James Kevin, Kyle, Belinda, and Megan. Belinda died in infancy, but the rest grew up with the beauty and art that was central to Connie's spiritual and psychological well-being. She painted and worked with textiles all while being a traditional housewife, cooking from scratch and sewing her children's clothes. When the children had grown, Connie taught art at St. Michael's School and was the owner of The Art Works, a gallery on West Main Cross Street. Connie and Jim traversed the country to discover unique artisans and proudly sold their handmade items.

She and Jim were married for over 60 years and shared many interests. They traveled the world as lifelong learners and continued to both study and teach at the Bluffton College continuing education program. They were enthusiastic supporters of The University of Findlay Mazza Museum and were very dedicated members at St. Michael's Church and Hancock Historical Museum. Connie was a good friend to the ladies of the Bridge Club that met monthly for over 50 years. She was a loving grandmother to Jamie, Abbey, Ben, Timothy, Caroline, and Christopher.

Connie's talents and attention to art and beauty will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Connie's life will be in spring, 2023.