Connie Canning was born April 2, 1941 in Bristow Nebraska, along with sisters, Bobbi Gaines (husband Jay), Linda Devitt (husband Gary) and Lauri Spencer (husband Paul). Connie, the oldest of the Thorell sisters and self-proclaimed “Hearty Nebraska Girl” moved to St. Louis in 1969 and started her career in the steel industry. There she raised her daughter Rhonda Smith-Canning (Dana with step-grandkids Jessica and Rod) and son William Canning (wife Cheryl with grandsons Nathan, Sam, and Jordan). Connie also met the love of her life, Herb Livorsi and his sons Mike, Dave, Greg and their families. She loved her best friend of 40 years, Lois Bennett, her River Blenders Sweet Adeline’s Chorus, her Curves exercise group, worldwide travel, and everyone she met along the way. To say that Connie loved to laugh doesn’t do her “cackle” justice.

Connie truly loved her career as an executive in sales and her colleagues at Maverick Tube. She “dazzled them with her brilliance” in what was mostly a male dominated business. Connie is well known for the numbers of young women she coached, mentored and empowered along the way.

Daughter, Mom, Sister, Grandma, Aunt (“Cankie”), Cousin, Life Partner, and Friend – Connie Lou Canning lost her battle with cancer and received her angel wings on October 11, 2016 surrounded by family and loved ones. Connie will welcome her reunion in heaven with parents Conrad and Thelma Thorell.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations on Facebook page:

The Connie Canning Empowerment Fund – The Legacy That Keeps Empowering

Memorial Service to be held on October 22, 2016 at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel St. Louis, 900 Westport Plaza Drive at 12 Noon.