Cornelia "Connie" J. Lambiotte R.N.

Cornelia (Connie) J. Lambiotte, R.N., formerly of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died December 8, 2021 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born on May 4, 1925 in Wendell, Idaho, to Laura Ellen Campbell and Julian Seymour Gallentine. After graduation from Washington University School of Nursing in St. Louis, she practiced nursing at Barnes Hospital. It was at Barnes that she met the love of her life and best friend, Louis (Lou) O. Lambiotte, whom she married on May 8, 1947.

In 1948, Connie and Lou relocated to Salt Lake City where Connie provided nursing care in various capacities for five years, while Lou completed his residency in internal medicine. In 1951, they moved to Lou’s home town, Fort Smith, where he joined the Holt-Krock Clinic. Connie became integral to Lou’s successful internal medicine practice by understanding the long hours and demands on a physician, managing a household with two children and organizing a robust social life.

She felt strongly about engaging with the community and was a board member of the Interfaith Center, drove for Meals on Wheels and was active in the First Presbyterian Church for over 65 years. As a longtime supporter of the Sparks Foundation and member of the Sparks Medical Center Guild, she volunteered at Spark’s Gift Shop as an assistant buyer and sales person. From time to time she was called upon to mentor college students working in the shop whom she encouraged to follow their dreams.

Connie enjoyed traveling in the United States and Europe. She was especially fond of theater and music, and for that reason, New York City was one of her favorite places. Back home in Fort Smith, she loved her regular golf games with three of her close women friends— Becky Chancey, Spring Lockwood, and Edyce Shermer. She was also a regular at the Snappy Sociable Sewing Sister Society – a monthly gathering of neighbors and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Joellen Lambiotte and husband Phil Karber of Fayetteville; her son, Louis Lambiotte and wife Susan McConnell of Corpus Christi; her grandson, Samuel Lambiotte of New York City; two stepgrandchildren, Maggie Yelverton (Brooks) and Wes Karber (Bethany) of Fort Smith and Little Rock, respectively; and four great-granddaughters (Parker, Suzi, Lila and Mabyn). She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis, and her sister, Helen Gallentine.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Connie’s memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901; or to the Good Samaritan Clinic, 615 N. B St., Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Memorial service will be held January 8, 2022, at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith. Masks are strongly encouraged.