I had known Connie from afar and sometimes near for many years and I knew she had health problems.  Sadly, I didn't know who to reach out to  find out she had passed til just now.  She was a wonderful person.

I taught with Connie at San Joaquin Memorial Catholic High School in Fresno, Ca. She was a dedicated teacher with a quick wit and vast knowledge with a deep Faith. If you were with Connie you were either in a deep and serious conversation about God, Faith and the Scriptures or you were laughing and telling stories. 
Thank you, Connie, for your love of life and the people you taught and ministered to. Peace.
Sister Kathleen Drilling, SSND

I was lucky to meet Connie in 2021 when she moved into Somerset Lodge, Gracious Retirement Community. She had so much joy to share with everyone and always knew what to say to make you smile or chuckle under your breath. As her dementia progressed she would often come to my office and talk about friends in Job's Daughters or how she got her Masters in Theology. She impacted so many people in her life and I don't think she even realized the influence she had. I know her teachings and her love will carry on with everyone she shared her heart with.

April 2010, Connie sitting with Mother Francine Cardew, myself, and Deacon Richard Camaione from Syracuse.

Dear Connie. It is difficult to express. Connie has been an integral part of our family for the last 19 years. She helped me navigate my way into the Church back then, followed by the rest of my family. She was always there for me to have great talks about theology, and scripture, faith and relationships. She had a wonderful and intelligent sense of humor, and the laughter to match. Like most people with good humor there was also a deep caring for the sadness in the world - and we talked long about that. I saw her as my older sister and gratefully know the rest of our journey will have her watching over me. We all will miss her very much.

Connie was one of the most caring people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to know. We lost touch a few years back, but she was always in my heart. The world was a better and brighter place with her in it. 

Safe travels, my sweet friend.

My heart broke into a million pieces, hearing the sad news that one of my favorite people on this planet had passed away…..Connie was my church mom, my friend, my teacher and my role model in so many countless ways. She was incredibly special to my entire family, so much so my son chose Connie as his confirmation sponsor as well. It meant a lot to him when she eagerly & lovingly leaped at the opportunity to be his lifelong spiritual advisor!  

When I first enquired about joining the Catholic faith in 2007, Connie was the biggest reason I felt excited to attend weekly RCIA classes & one of the biggest reasons I couldn’t wait to experience the Easter vigil! She spoke about our faith with so much passion, so much joy and quite a bit of humor as well, which I loved. I instantly felt safe being in her presence, safe to ask any/all questions no matter how awkward or embarrassing of a question or innocently ignorant I might have sounded. I always knew I belonged, I always knew I was wanted and I always knew I was loved, any time I was with her or around her. 

Connie  was one of the most beautiful spiritual mothers; lovingly, teaching, nurturing and guiding so many lost children toward our heavenly father.  Her role as church mom to so many of us was crafted with so much deep God-gifted purpose. I will greatly miss her hugs as well as her light-filled presence in my life, without question.

I met Connie 59 years ago at the age of 12 when we were both in a Masonic youth organization called Job's Daughters.

 Connie was thoughtful, caring and had a sense of humor that had no boundaries. She loved to have fun and really enjoyed the teenage pranks that kids of that era enjoyed doing.  

 Connie was one of my bridesmaids when I got married in 1974.  I always considered Connie's Mom, Charolette Sanford as a second Mom.  

 I had the honor of taking care of Connie after her knee replacement surgery.  It only took us a few minutes after not seeing each other for several years to start talking and laughing as we did when we were teenagers. 

Connie's faith was paramount in her day life.  She loved teaching religion and bringing the word of God to those that hadn't had much training in the Bible.

 Connie was a special person that had the capability of making everyone feel loved.  She had a special gift of listening to people to find out what their interests were.

 I have always known that heaven had a special place reserved for Connie Ostlund.  I hope Connie is in a classroom somewhere in heaven teaching the word or God without pain and suffering. 

Rest in Peace my dear friend.

When I first started working at St. Henry, Connie grabbed me one afternoon and told me that I needed to take a break.

I was new to the area, and she wanted to welcome me to the community and to share some of the fun things around Gresham.  

We spent an afternoon driving around and seeing where the fun bars, restaurants, parks and fun places to take a walk were.  She also helped me to know where to get groceries and all of the other basic things that you wish somebody would tell you when you move into a brand new space.  She had a wonderful sense of hospitality and welcome.  She made it easy for people to join the community.

Connie was also an outstanding teammate. She was a very supportive and collaborative worker.  I knew that if I had a question, if I needed help or if there was some kind of a conflict that Connie would have my back.  I really loved being able to work and serve with her and the rest of our team during what was probably the golden age at St. Henry.  

We are all better people for having known and shared community with Connie.

OBITUARY

Connie Gail Ostlund

29 August, 1953 – 24 February, 2024

Ross Hollywood Chapel

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