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CONNELLY (Vizina), Makayla Marie

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CONNELLY, Mykayla BIO

(October 16, 1996 - August 1, 2020) - It is with heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Makayla Marie Connelly (Vizina), age 23, of Indian River, Michigan on Saturday, August 1, 2020.

Makayla graduated from Inland Lakes High School in 2014 and Grand Valley State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She worked for Karmanos Cancer Institute in Petoskey as a Research Coordinator, where she was recognized for her overwhelming kindness and devotion to cancer care and research.

Makayla married Benjamin Connelly on November 4, 2016 at the Indian River United Methodist Church.  Makayla is remembered for her bright smile, contagious laugh, and for being an inextinguishable light to all who knew her.  She always shined bright; lighting up every room she entered.  Everyone close to her will say she was the glue that bound hearts together.  She adored spending time with her children, being spontaneous, living life to the fullest, and always encouraged family gatherings.  Most importantly, she never let a day pass without letting her loved ones know they were supported and that she loved them deeply and unconditionally. 

Makayla is survived by her husband Ben and their three children Emmalynn, Julianne, and Brooks.   Her parents, Tammy (Kennedy) and Barry Vizina; three siblings, Travis (Rachel) Vizina, Jaimee (Josh Rybinski) Vizina and Beau Vizina.  She was predeceased by her brother Barron Vizina.  Grandparents Marilyn (Bert - predeceased) Vizina all of Indian River.  Survived in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada by her grandparents, Marilyn and John Kennedy; aunt and uncle, Kimberly (Kennedy) and Bill Roach; cousins, Sonya Cain and Jonathon Ambeault (Sadie Ferlaino) of Red Deer, Alberta Canada.  As well as, countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends in the United States and Canada.

“Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.”

Visitation will take place at the Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine Friday, August 7 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 AM, also at the Shrine, in the outdoor sanctuary, with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the mass.  Memorial contributions are being accepted by Tammy Vizina in care of the children.

Tammy Vizina
6808 Louise Drive
Indian River, Michigan
USA 49749



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