What can I say that has not been said about what a caring, giving person that Connie was. It is hard to say "was", for she should still be bouncing through life, loving everything and everyone. It is true, she never met a stranger, for if she didn't know you when she came in, she knew you before she left. Her smile was infectious and she had a way of putting people at ease.
I had the joy of being Connie's friend from when they moved to Toledo and then was her first room right after high school graduation in 1973. I think we moved into that dinky little travel trailer behind Snyder's Market in Toledo the day AFTER graduation. It was a fun summer.
It never worked out where I was able to hear Connie sing with a band, nor she hear me sing with a band, we had the pleasure of singing together in school and in "The Changing Tyme", the little group that about a dozen of us sang in. One of the fun times though, was after our 25th Class Reunion in 1998 and a few of us went to Steph's house and talked and sang and just carried on till the wee hours of the night.
Although we don't understand why she was taken from us, we have hope and assurance that, just like the old gospel song says, "We'll Understand it Better By and By." I'm sure Connie's creating quite a stir in heaven right now, getting reacquainted with friends and family that have gone on before her and finding out how to sign up for the angel band.
Connie's passing has taught me a lesson. Even though I didn't see her often, I knew she was still reachable. Being busy as we all are, I let time get away from me, and now.....it's too late to call her up and go to lunch as we had planned to do when things calmed down a little. Don't let that happen to you with those you love and care for. Redeem the time.....
I knew Connie throughout my entire Toledo Schools experience. She was always a light shining brightly. I was so fortunate to spend many years singing with her and her voice was like that of an Angel. She was our favorite cheerleader, she was our very own beauty queen when she became Miss Lincoln County.
My most favorite memory of Connie is when she invited me to go to Coos Bay with her family to visit other family. There were so many people, we were having so much fun and eating scrumptuous French Toast for breakfast. We sang "Do you know the way to San Jose" the whole way there and back, Jim and Betty never complained.
I miss you Connie - today and always. I am just not ready to say goodbye - so I will say, I will see you again one day and we can sing again. Bless you. Janna
I remember the morning you were born and entered this world, big blue eyes, lots of long black hair (nurses always had a bow wrapped around a big curl when they brought you in to see me) and a loud voice saying "here I am world", I hope you are ready for me.
You touched the hearts of many with your loving caring ways, I remember when you worked in the nursing home you always brought the people and their health problems home with you and always had lots of tears when you lost one. You never knew a stranger, you loved everyone and everyone loved you. You have been s song bird all your life, singing, dancing and performing skits with your sister. You have touched many a heart with your beautiful voice.
Thank you for the many years of tears, laughter and love. I love you BABY and someday we will be toghter.
Mom
God gave you to us for awhile, and now he’s called you
home.
You have touched so many lives, so many more than you will ever
know.
You are more then are angel; you are a mother, sister,
daughter, aunt, and friend.
Having to let you go is tearing my heart in two, but I
know that you will be with me in everything I do.
You are the light that guides me on my way.
Your voice ,a whisper on the wind to tell me everything
will be ok.
Know that this is not good bye, for I will see you again,
some other place, some other time.
So our angel spread your wings and fly, for God has called
you home to watch over us until we meet again.
I will miss you with every breath that I take, but I know that you will be never more then a memory away.
I close my eyes to feel my heartbeat, because that is were I keep you with me.
I may not understand and probably never will, but God had a reason, and time one day will heal.
For now tears will fill my eyes and I will break down inside
But you are not gone, you are here with me always.
I hear you in the wind that dances on the trees
In my mom and grandma's laughter, and in their faces.
I just have to look around and listen for you
I will see you again someday; but until then I know that you watch over me.
