Constance Marie "Connie" Thullen

Connie Thullen, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home in Saint Charles, Illinois on Saturday, July 5th , 2025 after a long and incredibly hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer.

Born on August 10th , 1948 to her parents, Casimir and Bernice, Constance Marie Dzialo grew up in Chicago with her younger siblings, Alice, Peter and Annette. Following her graduation from Immaculata High School in 1966, Connie earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from DePaul University in 1970. Soon after her marriage to Raymond Kustusch in 1971, she welcomed her son, Matthew, into the world in 1974.

Following her divorce in 1978, Connie dedicated herself to her own independence and, as a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide the absolute best opportunities for her son. With continued perseverance, Connie established a very successful career in the telecommunications industry. In 1984, she willingly embraced the difficult decision to leave Chicago and moved to Succasunna, New Jersey. For four years, Connie maintained a delicate balance between being a dedicated leader for AT&T and selfless mother for her growing boy.

Upon her return to Illinois in 1987, Connie purchased a home in Northbrook and would soon embark on what would become her greatest adventure. She married the love of her life, John Thullen, on May 29th, 1994. Their marriage was built on the strongest of foundations. It was a lifelong trust that would never falter, affording each individual the opportunity to be the most honest versions of themselves. Their promise to each other on that day has truly stood the test of time.

Connie's unconditional dedication to those she loved has touched the lives of many. May her intelligence, creativity, curiosity and strength be an eternal inspiration to those she left behind.

She is survived by her children, Matthew Kustusch (Kelly), stepchildren, Matthew Thullen (Lila) and Angela Baker (William) and grandchildren, Connor, Tyler, Eli, Maggie, Lucille, Frances, Isaiah and Lena.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10th , from 3-9 PM at Yurs Funeral Home (1771 W. State Street in Geneva, Illinois 60134). The funeral mass will take place on Friday, July 11th , beginning at 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church (2900 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174) immediately followed by a celebratory luncheon (details to follow).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the DePaul University general scholarship fund. Without knowledge, action is useless.