Constance Anne Zoch

Constance Anne Gilbert Zoch passed away on June 10, 2024, at the age of 91. She is survived by her children Julie Zoch, John Zoch (Vicky), and Paul Zoch (Denise). Connie was preceded in death by her daughter Rachel Anne Humphries; her husband Leroy N. Zoch; her mother Mildred Gilbert and father Foster Gilbert; and her siblings Carol, Helen, Allen, Ruth, and her twin sister Priscilla. She is survived also by seven grandchildren (Erica, Taylor, Annie, Lydia, Molly, Sophie, Devin) and five great grandchildren (the joy of her life!)

Connie was born in Syracuse, New York on October 26, 1932. She was younger than her twin Priscilla and the youngest of all her siblings, and was very close to her sisters. After graduating from Syracuse High School, Connie worked for General Electric, and during this time she met her future husband Leroy at an Air Force dance. Leroy had come over to ask Priscilla to dance, but Priscilla had another offer so Leroy asked Connie instead. They married in 1952 and moved to San Antonio, Texas, providing a culture shock to Connie due to all things Texas (weather, bugs, culture, etc.). They soon moved to Houston when Leroy was accepted into the Houston Police Academy.

In their first home on Homestead Road, Connie began raising her family (Rachel, Julie, John, and Paul) while also working part-time at Sears. She learned to camp and fish like a true Texan, sleeping on cots under the stars and not being too disturbed by the occasional snake or even the cow that woke her up by licking her face. She and Leroy were active members of Calvary Lutheran Church where she enjoyed playing the organ at services. Connie and Leroy built a house on H&R Road in 1969, where they lived until 2003. They became members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield and later joined Resurrection Lutheran Church of Spring, which they attended until their deaths. Connie enjoyed singing in the choirs and being an active member of her church.

In retirement, Connie started living her best life with Leroy. When not helping care for her grandchildren, being a beekeeper, and cultivating the large garden (for years the source of the family’s fresh, organic vegetables), Connie and Leroy socialized with the HOGS (Happy Old Geezers) at Resurrection and travelled to visit Connie’s relatives in New York and beyond. They enjoyed a cruise to Alaska and an epic journey to central and eastern Europe, including Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, even Russia. After Leroy’s death in 2005, Connie continued travelling with her dear friend Marilyn Evans, touring and yakking their way through Egypt, Israel, Thailand, Singapore, and multiple trips to Europe.

Connie became interested in genealogy and researched ancestors in her Gilbert and Barker families, learning that one was accused of witchcraft as part of the Salem Witch Trials. She joined the lineage society Colonial Dames, and was a very active member for years. Fellow Colonial Dames member Marsha says she was one of the mainstays of the Joseph Underwood Chapter of National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, where she presided as Chapter Officer Registrar, Membership Committee, Timekeeper, and Heraldry & Coats of Arms Committee Chairman. She is regarded as a legend for her genealogy research skills and spent countless hours over the years doing family trees and research for anyone that asked for it.

Connie participated in other lineage societies, including the James Tull chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) where she presided as Regent, and as State co-chair for Constitution Week, Chapter Chaplain, and more. She was a member of National Society of New England Women, Associated Daughters of Early American Witches, and the John Shepherd Texas Chapter of the National Society of Founders and Patriots.

Connie was truly an incredible mother, sister, daughter, wife, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all, faithfully helping her beloved daughters and granddaughters with their newborns and coaxing a first smile out of more than one baby! Connie was a voracious reader and a great cook, attending her apartment book club up until last month, and participating in the apartment chili cookoff where she and Rita Mergenhagen won first place in the cookoff!

We are all better off for knowing and loving Connie Zoch, may she rest in peace as she reunites with her loved ones.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 14, at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1612 Meadow Edge, Spring, Texas, followed by a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Northwest Assistance Ministries (https://www.namonline.org/).