Constance Van Maren Phillips

Connie passed away peacefully at the age of 94 with her daughter by her side after dementia and declining health finally overcame her strong spirit. She was the second child of Cornelius and Loretta Van Maren, part of Van Maren Family, who were early settlers and ranchers in the Citrus Heights area. Constance had fond memories of spending summers on her Grandparents sprawling ranch where she developed a love for nature, gardening and animals which continued her entire life. Connie held the position of Junior Purchaser for the City of Sacramento in the 1940's and 1950's. She remained in the Sacramento area as a homemaker until moving to Pleasanton Ca in 1970, where she resided in the same house for nearly forty years. Constance volunteered thousands of hours spanning five decades and three hospitals as a "Pink Lady" for Mercy San Juan, Valley Memorial, and Valley Care. While still at Valley Care, she also volunteered at the American Cancer Discovery store where she worked into her late eighties still able to drive herself. She loved to attend live theater and had subscriptions to the San Francisco ACT and Pleasanton Playhouse. Connie enjoyed needlepoint, knitting, and was an avid collector. She was known for her stylish, eclectic wardrobe and wore leather pants to both her eightieth and ninetieth birthday parties looking like a rock star. Connie was preceded in death by her husband, George, sister Kathryn, and brothers Douglas and Jack. she is survived by her daughter, Jill and son-in-law, Daniel and two grandchildren, Brittany and Christopher. A Celebration of Life will be held at Blackhawk Counrty Club in Danville Ca on Saturday, Nov 30th at Noon. Donations may be made to either Hospice of the East Bay or Tri Valley SPCA.