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June 23, 1919 - January 28, 2013 Connie grew up in St. Paul, the daughter of Roger B. and Katherine K. Shepard. As a young girl, she attended Summit School in St. Paul, and continued her education at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. In January 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Connie married Henry Gaylord Dillingham of Honolulu, Hawaii. In July 1945, as a commander of a squadron of B-29 bombers over Japan, his plane was lost to anti-aircraft fire. Connie returned to St. Paul to live with her parents. She became interested in local politics, and was a Minnesota delegate to the 1956 Republican National Convention which nominated Dwight D. Eisenhower for a second term. Later she became closely involved in the 1960 gubernatorial campaign of Elmer L. Andersen, and from January 1961 to December 1962 Connie served as the Minnesota State Chairwoman of the Republican Party. She maintained a lifelong involvement in programs designed to increase the role of women in politics. In 1972, Connie married Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice James C. Otis. They enjoyed a very happy life together until his death in 1993. Throughout her life she provided generous support, and served on the boards of a wide range of social service, arts, and educational organizations. She will be remembered for her generosity, kindness and grace. Connie was preceded in death by her brothers, Roger B. Shepard, Jr. and Blake Shepard. She is survived by her brother, Stanley Shepard and his wife, Lucy; stepchildren, Emily Wurtz of Chevy Chase, MD; J. Duncan Otis of Minneapolis; and Todd H. Otis of Minneapolis. Connie is also survived by 12 devoted nieces and nephews and by a large group of extended family members and friends. At Connie's firm request, there will be no memorial service. Gifts may be made in her memory to the Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul, MN 55107 or the YWCA of St. Paul, 375 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102. Connie's family wishes to express profound gratitude to the caregivers, past and present, of Lifesprk in Minneapolis who contributed so significantly to her quality of life over the past three years.
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I was saddened to hear about my most wonderful Aunt Connie. I shall miss her calm, gentle ways but will cherish the memory of her infectious sense of humor and the twinkle in her eye. I send my love and hugs to the Shepard family.
Wendy Chase
October 28, 2013
Oh, I am so sorry and send my love to Aunt Connie's family. She waa the best Aunt!!! I will miss her even tho I didn't see her often I always knew she was there.
Gail Dillingham Williams
October 15, 2013
On behalf of the entire Dillingham Family, I want to express our sadness to have lost her, but also our gratitude for having this wonderful woman as a part of our lives for nearly seventy years. She was the best!
Gaylord Dillingham
October 15, 2013
In the brief time I knew her, Connie shared her pride of her family to me. She was proud of all of you and of your endeavors . I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet her. I really enjoy our talks.
Elinor Bridges
February 2, 2013
Dick and I send our condolences to Stan and Lucy and to all of us in The Neighborhood House family.
Debbie Bancroft
February 1, 2013
To the family of Connie Otis, you have my deepest condolences. Connie was such a sweet & gentle Lady. She always had that sweet smile and friendly greeting for me whenever we would meet. I am very glad and fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet connie many many years ago through my work at Neighborhood House. I last saw connie at Cafe Latte last summer with her care taker. And she greeted me and my wife with that gentle smile. St. Paul lost a lovely woman. May she rest in Peace.
gilbert de la O
February 1, 2013
Connie, you were a gentlewoman and a role model for so many of us who always remained committed to your values and your community. You made St. Paul a better place for all of us. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know you through Neighborhood House. You will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Eileen McMahon
January 30, 2013
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