Connie Jean Lersch conceded her battle to cancer last Saturday afternoon, August 15, 2020. As she contemplated and faced her next journey, she was surrounded by her children and beloved grandchildren, each taking turns to love and embrace her.
Connie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to George and Irene DeDomenic. She often recalled a childhood filled with memories of immigrant grandparents and the intense love her parents had for their children and one another. After school and joining her then husband, Robert Lersch, in his brief adventure in the United States Navy, Connie eventually settled in Houston, Texas where she rarely lamented the loss of the cold, snowy winters of Western Pennsylvania.
Once settled in Texas and upon the births of her two children, Connie dedicated her life to being a mother, best friend and eternal confident to her children and all that came into their respective orbits. She was a beautiful friend to the “friends, that were family she met along the way.” She was always up for a cup of coffee and a long conversation which was often accompanied by her wide-smiles, unabashed laughter, and sincere empathy and compassion for whatever her friends and family might be encountering. Connie provided her unyielding love and support to all those she knew and loved; where, as her children grew, her house would often be a place for her children and their friends to gather and commune in the warmth of her love and support where she encouraged meaningful conversations and lifelong memories while we were navigating the head waters of maturation and adulthood.
While her strength as both a friend and mother will be forever remembered by so many, Connie would eventually realize her full potential as a “Nana” to her “Ladybug,” “Henry-B,” and “Ollie Bird.” Along with the unparalleled devotion and affection to her grandchildren, there wasn’t a roller rink she wouldn’t tackle, a weekend get-a-away she would decline, or an opportunity to spend quite time with one or more of her grandchildren that she would miss.
Along with too many friends that are like family and family that are like friends to name, Connie is survived by her son, Chad Lersch (Claudia Escobar), daughter Christy Piper, grandchildren Isabelle Horonzy, Henry Lersch, Oliver Lersch, Sebastian Reyes, Nicholas Reyes, and Camila Reyes. And while Connie’s presence here on earth will be missed beyond belief; as she realizes her wings and prepares to watch over her children, grandchildren, and surviving family members and friends, it is with joy that her family celebrates her reunion with her parents, George and Irene, family members Bill Lersch, John Gallagher, Mary Verselli, and many others who she has impressed, or been impressed by, along the way.
At this time, in-light of the global health situation, the family does not anticipate any public memorial services. Instead, they are taking each day to strengthen their memories through on-going conversations and remembrances with the so many that loved and adored her.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites donations to American Cancer Society so that the many that come after her will have the same fighting chance against cancer that her doctors gave her.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18