Constance Zuidema

Constance Zuidema departed this world peacefully, in her Virginia Beach home, on February 19, 2026, surrounded by her daughters. She was preceded in death by George L. Zuidema, Jr., her loving husband of 50 years. Connie was born in 1939 in Fort Monroe, VA. She grew up in Norfolk, VA, where she met George in Willowwood Presbyterian Church's youth fellowship. She graduated from Granby High School in 1958 and attended Columbia Union College in Maryland. Connie and George married in 1961.

Connie and George raised their family in Virginia Beach and were faithful members of Bayside Presbyterian Church. Connie attended night school at Old Dominion University, pursuing a B.S. in Preschool Special Education. She was hired by Virginia Beach Public Schools to launch the city's first special education classroom for preschoolers. Connie was curious, kind, laughed easily, and sparked an infectious joy in all who knew her. She was a vibrant storyteller and leader in creative, imaginative play as the oldest of four sisters, "Mom" to her three daughters, "Miss Connie" to her students, "Nana" to her four grandchildren, and "Aunt Connie" to her many nieces and nephews.

She cherished time spent with family and enjoyed taking her grandchildren to plays, museums, and parks. She treasured her SIS (Sisters in Spirit) friends at Bayside Presbyterian Church, with whom she remained closely connected during her senior years. Connie was an enthusiastic reader, gardener, boogie boarder, and traveler. She, George, and Anne enjoyed their adventures while living in Dublin, Ireland, during the mid-1980's.

Connie is survived by her three daughters, Charlotte White (Andrew), Margaret Richardson (Marc), and Anne Zuidema (Arno), four grandchildren, Georgia Richardson (Justin), Charlie White, Ben White, and Evan Richardson, her three sisters, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Bayside Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, or a charity of your choice to honor Connie's memory.