Constance "Connie" McDaniel

Constance C. McDaniel, age 34, passed away peacefully at her home in Appleton on Friday, March 21, 2025, after a courageous five-year struggle with breast cancer.

She was born on April 1, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea. She grew up in a military family, moving frequently before settling in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in sixth grade. Connie earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and completed an internship in Ireland, which ignited her lifelong passion for travel.

Determined to serve, she joined the Wisconsin National Guard where she served for 9 years and finished her military service honorably as a Staff Sergeant. She deployed to Balad, Iraq, from 2011 to 2012. During pre-deployment training, she met the love of her life, Matt. They married on August 2, 2014, and soon embarked on their next adventure; moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to become teachers for a year.

Their travels brought them home when Connie discovered she was expecting their first child, Isla Rose, born on November 3, 2018. They settled in Appleton, Matt’s hometown, and their family grew with the arrival of their son, Declan Scott. In a testament to her incredible strength, Connie gave birth to Declan on December 3, 2020, while undergoing chemotherapy, facing her illness with the same resilience that defined her life.

Despite her battle, Connie faced life with unwavering strength and determination. While raising two young children alongside her soulmate, she became an advocate for others facing cancer, offering support to people across the world, from Germany to Australia to Japan. Her passion for coffee led her and Matt to create Golden Poppy Coffee, a business that reflected her warmth and creativity. They also renovated two homes, filling them with her personal touch, and continued to explore the world together, making the most of every moment.

Connie’s legacy is one of resilience, adventure, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her husband, Matt McDaniel; their children, Isla and Declan and many loving family members, dear friends, and fellow veterans.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street Appleton, WI 54911. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. and will continue until the time of the service. If you would like to contribute, the family requests donations be made to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation in Connie’s memory.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.