We all honor your life that was so well lived ❤️

One year ago today, I lost the woman I loved.  She brought love laughter and many other happy days to my life. She is no longer within my reach, but will always be in my heart.

We did a lot of wonderful things together  as well as a great deal of traveling which she loved. I fell in love with this woman and will always miss her.

Love you Connie

                               Connie

There are people one meets in their life who are special.

They are so unassuming that to mention that they are exceptional would be awkward. They might think it was insincere. That you are flattering them.

They become embarrassed or perplexed.

Uncomfortable perhaps.

So, often nothing is said. What could be more sad?

Or in this case, regrettable.

The very people who are deserving of accolades may never hear them.

I wish I had told Connie that she was one of those people.

I started to write this before she passed. I was so encouraged that she was doing well after the treatment that I thought I had time. Time to re-write and make it perfect.

But perfection now seems ridiculous. Telling her how I felt about her should have been paramount.

Was it 1966? Was that the year that Louie and Jeff brought

Connie to our home? She was “Lou’s girl” and instantly

everyone adored her.

Personally, I thought Connie was very “cool” and “cute.” But it became more than that. I looked up to her. If I had been blessed with an older sister, I would have wanted it to be Connie.

She was not only beautiful, but also funny, intelligent, and adventurous. She was loving, kind, and fair-minded. She was the compassionate voice of reason. Yet she was always up for a good time.

Life took us in different directions, but strangely the passing of so many: (Jeff, Lou, Rick, Bat) brought us closer.

During our long phone calls, I felt I could share what I hadn’t been able to with anyone else.

That was Connie. She was caring, comforting …and she understood. She was grounded, no BS, you knew that her words were pure and true.

It was as though no time had passed, and we were simply catching up. But it was more than that. As we chatted, I felt such admiration. For almost 60 years, this beautiful woman never wavered from being a source of strength for her family and friends. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for Faye, Micall, and Caitlin. And oh, how she spoke about her grandchildren…the love was electrifying. I could feel it 150 miles away.

Connie was sheer joy, an illuminating light,

A wondrous combination of exuberance and dependability.

She will be missed by everyone who ever knew her.

Susan Birchenall Gates

We lost a true treasure. Connie was like a second mom to me and one of the most influential women of my youth. If it were not for her infectious, social personality, I would not have met Caitlin at Booksin Elementary and I would have had a much different childhood. I grew up in the same neighborhood as the Stottrup’s and Connie befriended my mom at our Elementary school Walk-a-thon. Our moms decided to introduce Caitlin and I and we instantly became best friends. We carpooled to school, had sleepovers, pool parties and as I grew up with the Stottrup’s, our bond only became stronger.

Connie had this “Forever young” youthful personality where she could engage with any person at any age from all sorts of different backgrounds. She was loving, understanding and accepting of everyone. She also never aged, and I would always ask her “are you drinking out of the fountain of youth?! You look just as good today as the day I met you!” Let’s be honest, she was gorgeous.

She was my friend from childhood and throughout adulthood and she always engaged with genuine care for my life. Honestly, that’s how she was with all her daughter’s friends. We all loved her so much. The last time I saw Connie was in her home when Caitlin and I were both visiting San Jose. It about a year ago and she was babysitting Faye’s daughters and the way should would talk to them was the same way she talked to her 3 daughters when they were young; it gave me the sweetest nostalgia of my childhood. I feel like I didn’t get to soak-in Connie enough these past few years, which is a huge regret because I know she loved me like family just like I loved her. I am really going to miss her. Her legacy will live on through her amazing daughters; Faye, Micall and Caitlin. 

My condolences, 

Samia 

I'm so sorry for the loss of Connie. I think of her whenever I see a coworker like to have their toast a bit burn around the edges.  It's funny that I was talking to a coworker the other day when I saw his bagel a bit burn on the sides.  I asked him if he remember Connie, he doesn't since he's in another group and not working in the same building with Connie.  I remember asking Connie about this and she just said that she likes toasty toast, that always gives me a smile when I think about it because I do like my toast a bit toasty as well.  She's such a warm, friendly, understanding, caring individual that I know.  She loves to walk during her lunch time, she would walk to places where I would drive.  

You'll be missed by many, Connie!

In the short time of two and a half years, we became very close. Her smile, kindness and strength was admirable and inspirational.  Although our time was brief, the love we shared was deep. I will always remember the wonderful woman I loved and will forever miss her.

My condolences to Connie's family. I first met Connie when  on that faithful day I was with my 2 friends Jeff Birchanal  and Louis Stottrup we went to Chucks Seller for drinks that's when we met Connie and her friends and you all know the rest of the story.    We moved to Auburn Ca. in 1984 so we missed a lot of partying and kids growing up.  so we only were able to see Connie when she came to visit the Mandolfo's

in Meadow Vista Ca.  So we had a lot of memories and stories to catch up on and tell.   Connie will always be in my memories.   God Speed Connie.

I’m so sorry to hear that Connie passed away. I had no idea she had lung cancer. 

Such a shock. My condolences to the family.