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Beloved Comments
From Betty Jane Blumenauer (Connie's cousin) posted April 16, 2009
The site is great and I hope it brings some comfort to you, Morgan, Dave, Maleah and Caroline to see in print how deeply loved Connie was by everyone who was blessed to know her. I’m including this family picture taken August 2008. Our time with Connie was so very precious…a gift.
Connie brought so many smiles, constantly lifted spirits and simply lighted a room when she was in it. She had the uncanny ability to make everyone that she touched feel “Special”. She was the SPECIAL one. Rare, unique, energetic, loving and beautiful was our beloved Connie. Now, she would tell us to also remember her feisty side too. I always said I’m happy I never got on her bad side…she could make those folks squirm. J I admired her strength and her courage.
Being daughters of Potts girls brought us together but our friendship held us close. Many memories in my head and my heart, lots of smiles and giggles. When traveling with Connie you always made sure the windows could open. J Silent but powerful!!!
One day we’ll all be reunited. Until then I try every day to follow the example she set for us, make the most of the moment, enjoy life and be kind. I’m working on my bucket list too.
Connie’s loving cousin
Betty Jane
From Wendy Johnson (daughter-in-law) posted 3:00am March 22, 2009
This letter is written to Connie.
I inherited your crochet and knitting needles... and I love them. I will pass them down to our kids to show them just how talented you are. I started using the crochet needles... thought that it would be an easy project... make a scarf right? Or so I thought! At least the colors are pretty. The rest of it is a royal mess. I don't know how you could create such beautiful works with yarn and some needles! I promise that I will practice. Until then I will be wearing my lop sided scarf where you can tell that somthing is amiss.... but I don't care. They are your needles and they will get me somewhere, someday.
I missed you today... more than any other. I think about you every day. I married into an awsome family, you, Dave, and Morgan. I love you all. I just wish that there was more time with you (more than just going to the movies, the butterfly farm, or Starbucks). When I get really down I read your emails to me (I saved every one) and they cheer me up. I'll miss those daily emails and greeting cards. But I'll never miss the time that we spent together. I miss you. - Wendy
From Betty Hagenbuch (sister-in-law) posted March 21, 2009
Where to start in recalling memories of Connie. In 1966 my brother arrived in Spokane with his beautiful blond wife and her equally pretty daughter Maleah. She was "family" from the beginning always there to help with family gatherings, organizing activities and showing such sincere interest in our family and friends.
Just a walk with Connie was a joy. She wasn't interested in gardening herself but knew or was determined to learn the names of every flowering plant we encountered from here to Florida.
When our sons were so little that most adults would be bored playing games with them, Connie was bringing out the Tile Rummy, Connect Four, Chutes and Ladders, etc. and playing competitively. She believed that you played to win. That was how they learned.
When they weren't living in the same city, Connie called or wrote our mother several times a week. She planned a trip together to Branson, MO and drove from Washington to Florida with her one fall.
She was especially considerate of the elderly and ill sending emails, cards, notes and words of encouragement on a regular basis.
The lesson to learn from Connie is to live each day as though there is not tomorrow.
AND I MISS HER!
From Louise and Henry Gerow posted March 19, 2009
We only knew Connie for a short time, but it seems as if she was a longtime friend. She was a "people person" who "never met a stranger". Connie had an unbelievable zest for life. She loved her family, loved to travel, play cards/games, crochet, was an avid reader and liked nothing better tahn to sit down with a good book. Connie faced her biggest challenge in life with optimism and a determination to "lick" the cancer. She never gave up. She was also a thoughtful and caring friend. When she learned the our little great-granddaughter (Tia) lost both of her young parents to a violent crime a few years back, Connie immediately opened her heart to the little girl. We could go on and on saying nice things about Connie. But, we know she wants us to move on. We will always cherish the fond memories of our short and fun times together. I think she is saying to us right now:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you waken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds circling flight
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there... I did not die.
Connie we miss you. May you rest in peace.
May you all find comfort in knowing that she is at peace with the good Lord.
Louise and Henry Gerow
From Traci Donat posted March 16, 2009
Connie was a very special person. She was always cheery. When I first moved to Florida I would travel from the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area to Daytona Beach every couple of months. I would call Connie and Dave the day before my trip, sometimes that day, and they would always have room for me. They would welcome me in with open arms. I remember a time when Connie had timers with post-it notes on them that told her what she needed done when the timer went off all around the house. I can never remember a time that Connie was not upbeat even when things were tough. She always looked at the bright side of everything--even when there wasn't a bright side she made one. She was very much loved by everyone she met. She was a beautiful person that will be greatly missed. Traci Donat
From Jessica Bishop posted March 12, 2009
Like Dad said, while I cried "SHE IS WITH GOOD COMPANY!!", leaving me with a warm smile...Such a TRUE comment for a beautiful, strong & loving women. My childhood memories when it came to reunions or Holidays, will always be AUNT Connie playing games, singing, dancing & laughing!!! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE--LOVE JESSICA BISHOP
From Mark Massey posted March 12, 2009
I have many childhood memories of the many times Connie went out of her way to take Morgan and I places. She always wanted to make sure we were having fun and enjoying the day. In all the years there was never a time did I see her not smiling.
Mark Massey
From Anne Guest posted March 12, 2009
Hello Wendy:
I think the tribute to Connie is so beautiful. I am sure you must had put it together. I knew Connie through the Y, and even though I am as old as her mother, we shared such precious moments together. I feel that I know you because she spoke of you often and always in the most loving way.She thought you were so talented. I think our friendship was rather unique. Everyone at the Y knew her and all of them share in your sadness at her loss.
Louise, Maryse and I use to sit with Connie in the "Library room" at the Y, have our coffee and discussed all kinds of things. Through Louise we went together to Disney a couple of times. We all share in your sorrow but we treasurer the time we spent together and her memory will always be a happy one.
Sincerely, Anne Guest
From Jan Johnson posted March 12, 2009
Connie was a VERY special friend! We worked together for years! We had a lot of fun together in a very stressful environment. So many memories!!! She use to put "important/critical" items on my desk with a rock on top to emphasize that I was to look at what ever paper was under it, first! One day I came back to my desk and there were rocks piled all over my desk with papers -- including on my chair!! As I pulled out one paper a rock fell on my foot! That was it -- I hid all of the rocks!!! When Connie came looking for them I told her we needed a plan B -- I could no longer do the rocks!!!!!!!! Plan B was colored folders! They at least didn't hurt when they hit the floor and I knew red was top priority! She did her best to train us all!! Made sure we knew if we got off track and kept us all on the straight and narrow!
I will really miss you Connie! I'll miss our lunches after retirement, especially at the Irish Pub you loved!
To her family know that she REALLY loved you all! She talked about you all of the time! She was proud of your accomplishments.
Jan Johnson!
From Wendy K. Johnson posted March 7, 2009 at 5:01am
I couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law. I wish that we could've spent more time together, but the time that we did have I will always treasure. I will never forget our outings to the movies, the Butterfly Encounter, or just to go to Starbucks for a Frappucino. I'm trying to live upto your request to take care of Morgan, but it seems he has been caring more care of me. I am so broken hearted. I can't stop crying. I miss you already. I'm a better person for having known you. - your daughter-in-law, Wendy.
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