Constance Marie Staudohar
1953 - 2009
Constance Marie Staudohar
1953 - 2009
Obituary
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Constance Staudohar Obituary
Those who spent a few hours with Connie Staudohar found themselves in the presence of a lively listener who possessed rare kindness and uncommon generosity.
Those lucky enough to spend months or years around Connie found even more – a bottomless heart that was deeply committed to her family, an inquisitive mind that consistently sought new horizons, and a spirit that burned brightly despite profound personal losses.
Connie died May 19, 2009, and will be deeply missed by her family, friends and a community that stretches far beyond the boundaries of the Gallatin Valley.
Connie was born Aug. 14, 1953 in Anaconda, the second child of Pete Staudohar and Peg (Parry) Staudohar. She graduated from Anaconda High School in 1971 and subsequently became the first person in her family to go to college when she enrolled at the University of Montana in Missoula.
While there, Connie met Chris Boyd, and the two were married in 1973. The couple moved to Seattle, where Connie received a nursing degree from the University of Washington. The family relocated to Bozeman in 1983 and Connie spent her first several years in the area working as a public health nurse.
Later, she returned to school to earn a master's degree in history from Montana State University. In recent years, Connie taught various classes at MSU, served on the board of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the Sunset Hills Cemetery and was active in other community and civic causes. At the time of her death, Connie was nearing completion of her Ph.D. in the History of Science and Medicine at MSU. She was widely respected in academic circles for the passion and energy of her research.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Peg Staudohar; her husband of 25 years, Chris Boyd; and in recent years her loving companion, John Kjelland. She is survived by her children, Dan Boyd of Santa Fe, N.M. and Brenna Boyd of Tempe, Ariz.; her brothers, Joe and Doug Staudohar of Anaconda; as well as nieces, nephews, countless friends, and a loving extended family.
Connie loved the outdoors and spent countless summers with family and friends at the family cabin near Philipsburg. She traveled to Costa Rica with friends earlier this year after studying Spanish in her 50s. She loved cross-country skiing, eating outdoors, and being around people from all walks of life.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday at Pilgrim Congregational Church at 2 p.m. A celebration of her life will also be held this year at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, the Montana Historical Society, or an organization of the donor's choice. Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kendra Downey
May 29, 2009
I was so very sad to hear of Connie's death. My husband Joe and I were old friends of Connie and Chris. They would visit us in West Marin when Brenna and Dan were babies and we spent many a wonderful evening watching the sun set and sharing wine and stories. My heart goes out to Brenna and Dan. Lot's of love, Kendra Downey
Roberta Anderson
May 27, 2009
I just learned of Connie's death this morning. I am thinking with deep gratitude about a wonderful visit I had with Connie last fall when she visited me here in Polson for a week-end after John Kjelland's death. I have been friends with both Chris and Connie since the early 70's and knew them well. They were both extraordinary people. Our great friendship began in the early days in Missoula and later in Washington State. Connie invited me to Dan's birth, which I will never forget--as well as so many memorable times we shared up at the cabin together. Connie and I renewed our friendshp when I moved back to Montana six years ago. Long friendships over all of the joys and heartaches we all share are a rich,rare, and precious thing. My heart is full of so many memories.
Dan and Brenna, I am with you in this enormous loss and send you much love. As you well know, you were both blessed to have such an amazing mother who loved you so well and deeply.
Deirdre Quinn
May 26, 2009
Connie spent lots of fun hours with us at Indulgence. She always had something enlightening she shared with us. I loved doing her make-up and how astonished she would be as she looked in the mirror when I was done! I found her to be such a pure, beautiful soul. Her love for her children was so evident. She always kept us up to date on Brenna's travels and her triathalons and horses. She was always positive and a free spirit whom I will mourn losing. She was a woman any of us could only hope to aspire to be.
Ellen Baumler
May 26, 2009
I met Connie only once, as a fellow presenter at the MSU Medical History Conference in 2008. I was instantly drawn to Connie as a colleague -- I have long admired her work, and we shared a wonderful evening of conversation. Connie was a dynamic, bright, generous person, very proud of her children and full of passion for her field. I feel honored to have met her.
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Zoe Ann Stoltz
May 26, 2009
To Connie’s family and friends,
I was very fortunate to become acquainted with Connie during her visits to the Montana Historical Society Research Center. Her passion for history and commitment to telling the stories of Montana will always inspire me. I was blessed to have known her.
Drusha Mayhue
May 25, 2009
Connie was a very bright and interesting person, and she was smart. Although I've known her for a long time we were only acquaintances. I have always thought we'd be good friends once we made time to sit down for coffee or go on a hike. I regret not being more proactive in creating that opportunity to know her better. I thought there would be more time. I admired her for pursuing her degree in history and wished to follow in her footsteps. I am profoundly saddened that we've lost her. But I'm glad to have known her, even if only a little.
Mary Keck
May 25, 2009
Connie belonged to our book club for a time. She always added fresh insight and drew everyone into the discussion. She spoke of Dan and Brenna often with pride and love. Her compassion and strength touched many people. She wrote that abrupt loss is particularly hard. She said I am with you in spirit and sending my support. That is still true. May her spirit and love ease your pain.
With friends at Seattle Folklife
Helen Gabel
May 24, 2009
Connie became one of my closest friends in 1981, when she and Chris were living in Milton, WA and Dan was just a toddler. From that year onward there has not been a month that was not richer because of Connie's insight, compassion, strength and generosity. And yet I am just one of the many, many who were touched in the same way.
Connie's love for her children was one of the most inspiring things about knowing her. I cannot imagine the depth of your loss.
May you be held up beyond expectation in the weeks ahead.
Harry Massett
May 24, 2009
I knew Connie as a friend at Anaconda High School decades ago. Her kindness, intelligence and her acceptance of others were prominent aspects of the kind person she was. Knowing Connie was a most positive experince in my life. I offer my sincere sympathies to friends and familiy of Connie wish you all peace in your moments of grief.
Diane Smith
May 23, 2009
I was one of the lucky ones who was privileged to know Connie for years -- from the time our daughters went to pre-school together, to our times together as graduate students at MSU sneaking off before an evening class to have a taco and a beer, to just three weeks ago when she spoke in honor of one of John Kjelland's final exhibits at the Missoula courthouse.
She was, as the obituary states, an exceptional woman, talented and smart and committed to excellence in everything she did in both her profession and in her life. I feel fortunate indeed to have had her as a friend.
My best to Brenna and Dan. Know that your mother talked about you all of the time and was incredibly proud of you both.
She will be missed by many. I certainly will miss her more than I can say.
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