Constance Strawbribge

March 16, 1943 - April 16, 2022

On April 16, 2022, Constance Louise Strawbridge departed her earthy surroundings to join her family in Heaven. Her father, Charles Shanks; her dear mother, Cora Shanks; beloved stepfather known as a dad, Mike Thomas; stepmother, Lorraine Shanks; her cherished son, Kenneth Strawbridge Jr.; brother, Charles Shanks Jr.; stepsiblings, Terry, Norma Ree, and Sandra all preceded her in death. Born into this earth on March 16, 1943, Connie was the oldest child of two. Her vibrant spirit and infectious laugh brought joy to everyone she met. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and was educated in the city of St. Louis school district. Connie attended Vashon High School, home of the Wolverines. She was very proud of her school, attended all class reunions, and consistently kept up with her classmates. On March 18, 1961, Connie united with her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Strawbridge Sr., in holy matrimony. There were two children born into this union: Kenneth Jr. (deceased) and Robin. She was a devoted and dutiful mother. Connie and Big Kenny shared over 60 years of love and planted roots in Rock Hill, Missouri. Connie and Big Kenny became a part of the Rock Hill Baptist Church now known as The Rock Church. During this time, she made the most important decision in life, which was to accept Christ as her personal savior. Connie was employed by Western Electric later known as Lucent Technologies where she enjoyed a successful and dynamic career. She participated in companywide activities including creating a company cookbook, she took her grandchildren and the neighborhood children to work on "bring a child to work day. During her time at Lucent, Connie formed friendships that she maintained long after her retirement in 2000. One of her many talents was her gift of entertaining, cooking, and presentation. Connie could grill, bake and prepare a 5-star meal with ease. She was always happy to cook for events that her friends, family, and neighbors hosted. She organized Night-Out events on Rockman Place and was always the life of the party. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, and making new friends wherever she went. Her very special bond with her two grandsons was a testimony to her legacy of love. Connie's footprint of love, compassion, joy, and faith in God has left an extraordinary mark on all our lives. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her loving devoted husband, Kenneth Strawbridge Sr.; her dedicated daughter, Robin Strawbridge Shell (Wallace); one brother, Steve Shanks; one sister, Brenda; two supportive grandchildren, Darrell Strawbridge (Staci) and Anthony Coleman; and three great-grandchildren, Maliah, Landon and Liam Strawbridge; sisters-in-law, Christine Shanks and Wanda Childs (Andrew); brother-in-law Russell Strawbridge, and a host of relatives and friends that she loved dearly.