Obituary of Constance "Connie" Isabel Valdez

In peace, with dignity, and in the grace of God, surrounded by countless angels, Constance (Connie) Valdez passed away to Glory on Sunday, June 28, 2020.  Her never-ending faith strengthened Connie to endure the trials and tribulations of her physical disability. 

Throughout her life, Connie never complained.  She was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt who gave unselfishly of her time and counsel.  Her infinite optimism and humble nature touched thousands of lives.  Connie’s faith developed since infancy and continued growing stronger as she transitioned into adulthood.  She did not allow a situation to discourage her.  Her joyful spirit and smile could brighten any situation and warmed the hearts of all those who she touched.  Connie’s life was enriched by a genuine interest in people, always putting her family, many friends, and students first.  Connie’s legacy is the myriad of lives that she touched through her work as an Educator, her leadership, exceptional character, committed relationships, and the exemplary way in which she lived her life.

Connie was born to Blanca G. Guardiola and Cipriano D. Valdez on July 3, 1948.  Connie was an extremely happy child known to all by her beautiful smile and trusting demeanor.  From a very young age, the saying ‘She knew no strangers’ was an apt description for this young lady. 

Connie’s greatest wish was to be a teacher and have a career in the classroom.  Recognizing that education was essential to a changing future, she studied diligently to receive all the training that she could to add to her growth and knowledge base.  Although Connie met challenges, she was firm in the belief of her life’s calling and never wavered. 

Connie was born and reared in Kerrville, Texas.  She attended school in the Kerrville Independent School District and her educational progress took her to Tivy High School, where she achieved graduation and was recognized as an Honor Graduate in May 1967.  Connie continued her education at Incarnate Word College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts and graduated with honors in May 1971. 

After earning her degree, Connie taught school in Belize City, the capital of the former British Honduras, for three years.  Returning to the United States, she became a proud member of the Edgewood Independent School District, where she taught for 34 years.  Connie was an expert in all disciplines related to the Sciences but her expertise was in research and statistics.  She elected to remain in the classroom where she could interact daily with outstanding co-faculty, staff, and administrators.  The support she received is greatly appreciated as it enriched her life.  After 37 years in the classroom, Connie retired in May 2009.

Connie enjoyed countless hours with her hobbies, which included reading, as well as Sudoku and crossword puzzles.  She liked old western movies and could recite which actors appeared in various movies.  However, her all-time favorite was watching the San Antonio Spurs and often arranged her schedule around their games.  She was an avid fan and dedicated season ticket holder.  Connie often shared the memory of attending the play-off series and the championship game where her team won the national title.  She said those victories were moments she would never forget and was proud of every win.  Connie also loved shopping and eating out at restaurants.  She appreciated meeting family and friends to break bread at some of her favorite places.

A special outing that delighted Connie was the monthly luncheons with “The Retirees”, a group of seven retired Educators from Edgewood ISD.  Connie always spoke of the fun conversation that was riddled with laughter.  She thoroughly enjoyed being a member of “The Retirees” and each person held a special place in her heart.  Thank you for being Connie’s friend and for loving her. 

The outpouring of support of Connie’s neighbors, friends and extended family has been phenomenal.  It allowed for the best care and friendships in which Connie could engage.  Sincere thanks to Beatrice Garcia, your kindness and loyalty exhilarated her; Cynthia and Grady Whitlock, your compassion and support meant so much to her; and Linda and Rick Sommers, your care and concern uplifted her.  The family appreciates the care administered by her providers, Adriana Aleman (since 2004) and Charlene Rios (since 1996).

Those who will cherish her memory include:  sisters: Anna Maria, Yolanda (Sam), Martha, and brother, Jesus (Mary); nieces and nephews: Celsa, Jesse, Anjanette, Eleanor, Michael, Briana, and Christopher; great nieces and nephews:  Nicholas, Joaquin, Marli, Sophia, and Jaxon, numerous cousins; and a host of friends and extended family members.

Connie was preceded in death by her mother, Blanca G. Valdez; her father, Cipriano D. Valdez; and her nephew, Nicholas S. Perez. 

The family encourages memorial contributions in Connie’s honor to the March of Dimes or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Please send acknowledgements to:  C/O Anna Valdez, P.O. Box 141445, Austin, Texas 78714.

Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Hartnett, Michael Valdez, Andre Anderson, Greg Anderson, Robert Anderson, and Joshua Gobert.  Honorary pallbearers are Jesse Valdez, Nicholas Greene, Jonathan Whitlock, Gabriel Garcia, Adrian Gonzales, and Nicholas Perez, deceased.

Visitation is 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, and Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Funeral Home – East Side, at 1615 East Cesar Chavez Street.  The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 East 9^th Street.  There will be a grave side service, announced at a later date, at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive.

Special thanks to the Villasenor Family of Mission Funeral Home and their outstanding staff. Much love and gratitude to Olga Salas of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for her patience in helping create a beautiful liturgy for Connie.  Heartfelt blessings to the many extended family members and friends for their love, kindness, and support given to our family during this most difficult time.  Our family finds comfort knowing that in Heaven, Connie is running, jumping, skipping, riding a bike, walking freely, and doing all the things that she could not do while on this Earth.  God needed the very best Angel and he called Connie Valdez home.  Rest in Heaven and in Peace, our sweet and dear Connie. 

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

Visitation is limited in capacity.

The funeral home chapel has restricted occupancy to 50% of its maximum; about 60 persons. 

Please remember to exercise social distancing as often as possible for your safety and the safety of those around you. 

Each person entering the funeral home is required to have a mask

and practice social distancing of 6 feet or more. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.

The Rosary service will be live-streamed via Mission Funeral Home Facebook Live

Mission Funeral Home - East Side