Constance Dragotto Brodhagen

Constance Dragotto Brodhagen (79), of Bellevue, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024, in the arms of her beloved husband, Robert. Connie was born on November 21, 1944, to Joseph and Ruth (Menges) Dragotto in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was proud of her Wisconsin roots and her Italian/German heritage. Connie's father immigrated from Sicily at the age of six. Connie was a devoted daughter and loved her older sister Judy.

Upon graduation from Whitefish Bay High School in 1963, Connie attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, becoming the only family member in three generations who did not attend the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Connie started her own tradition of three generations at Miami University. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and met her first husband, Gary Koester. She graduated in 1967 with a degree in English and became a high school English teacher. She was a strong supporter of public schools and an avid PTA participant.

In the mid 1980's Connie received her Connecticut real estate license and began her career in Stamford. In 1997, Connie married Robert Brodhagen. They relocated to Bellevue, Washington, in 1998, to be closer to Connie's mother. Connie and Rob continued with Coldwell Banker in Bellevue.

Connie cherished her friendships across the country. She made close friends after living in Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington. She was a lover of animals, and enjoyed playing tennis and bridge, and cheering on her children and grandchildren.

Connie was a loving wife to Rob. Loving sister to Judith Liebert. Adored cousin and classmate of R. Thatcher Dilley, MD. Devoted mother to Lindsay (Peter) Sowden of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Thomas (Nicole) Koester of Fairfield, Connecticut. A loving stepmother to Timothy Brodhagen of Brooklyn, New York, and Alison Brodhagen (Elliot Kaiman) of Madison, Connecticut. Special aunt to Jeffrey (Salta) Liebert, Janine Liebert, and Alandra (Chris) Martin. She was Grammy to Chloe, Blake, Joseph, Farrah, Thomas, Olivia, Max, Malcolm, and Otto.

Connie touched many lives. She had a beautiful laugh and exuded warmth and optimism and took great joy in being around her loved ones. Sadly, we lost the Connie we knew, a long time ago, to Alzheimer's Dementia. We find peace in knowing that she has been released from this devastating disease. Connie will be missed by many, and we will cherish our happy memories.