Constance D. "Connie" Richie

1947 - 2018

Constance D. Richie
March 15, 1947 - September 1, 2018

CULVER - Mrs. Constance D.  "Connie" Richie, 71, of  Culver passed away at noon on  Sept. 1,  at her home.
On March 15, 1947, in Marion County, Constance Diane "Connie"  Wand was born.  She was the treasured daughter  of  Leo and Marie Miller Wand. Growing up in Indianapolis, she shared her childhood with a brother Steve.  
In 1965, Connie graduated from Ben Davis High School.  During the summer of 65 she met Steve Richie and they discovered they would both be furthering their education at Indiana State University.  In pursuit of her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, Connie persevered at ISU earning both her bachelors and masters degree in elementary education as a Sycamore.  
In Indianapolis on Aug. 19, 1967, Connie married the love of her life Mr. George Steven Richie. They shared 45 years of life's adventures and raised a beautiful daughter, Diane. Sadly at age 27 Diane passed away.
A dynamic and dedicated teacher, revered and loved by her students and colleagues, Mrs. Richie taught second grade for Culver Community Schools for three decades retiring in 2002.  She later worked for Curves of Plymouth where she made many new friendships following her retirement. She also served as a CASA volunteer advocating for children.
In 1998 at age 51, Connie suffered a brain stem stroke. She not only survived but thrived, making a come-back  and volunteering as an advocate for other stroke survivors within  the National Stroke Association. In 2004 she was named National Stroke Advocate thru awareness. Connie utilized her teaching skills and was an esteemed presenter at conferences for medical professionals and inspired other stroke survivors. 
Connie was  lifetime  role model for healthy lifestyles. At age 55 she struck another wish from her bucket list. Running a 1/2 marathon in Kona, Hawaii while raising $6520 for stroke awareness. She also returned to the classroom after her recovery for two years.
To relax, Connie and Steve enjoyed manicuring and maintaining their yard. She annually planted flower gardens to compliment the landscape. They also enjoyed travel adventures visiting the Soviet Union in 1974 and a favorite destination visiting Mexico on four occasions. These are in addition to their memorable Hawaiian trip.
Later, following Steve's passing, Connie became acquainted with Ken Smith.  They enjoyed  friendship and adventures traveling around the states. The last two winter seasons, they looked forward to the warmth of Palm Coast, Fla.
Left to cherish  Connie's memory are her companion, Ken Smith of Walkerton and her brother, Stephen Loys Wand and wife Barbra of Mooresville, her many loving students and colleagues and friends she made along life's journey.  
Preceding Connie in death are her parents Leo and Marie Wand, husband Steve on Nov. 10, 2012 and daughter Diane Richie Jordan in 2006.
A celebration of the life of Mrs. Constance Diane "Connie"  Richie will be at  11:30 a.m.  on Saturday, Sept. 15 in the First Christian Church, 1101 Madison St., Rochester. 
Pastor Mike VanHeyningen will officiate.  
Interment will be in the Washington Cemetery, Culver.  
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 1101 Madison St. Rochester, Ind. 46975.  
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.  
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester.