Constance Leona Freeman

Constance Leona Freeman "Connie," age 83 of Warren, died Thursday, January 29, 2015 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center in Warren. She was born August 31, 1931 in Hamtramck, daughter of the late Stanley and the late Leona (nee: Jakushonak) Szaladzinski.Throughout many of Connie's earlier years, she was employed by the Federal Reserve Bank where she held a number of prestigious positions. She ultimately retired as a Wire Transfer Specialist and entered the world of the unencumbered and free. As she eased into the realm of the Golden Warriors, much of that well-earned freedom was enjoyed in the company of her fellow members of St. Ladislaus' "Happy Wanderer's"…a group of seniors that shared the joys and pleasures of travel. Together, they ventured to many different points of interest,…with Connie's favorite being those treasured trips to the casinos of Detroit (especially the "Motor City Casino"), and hopefully to come away with a little "treasure" of her own. Though she marveled at it all, it was those One-Armed Bandits that always called her name and fed her appetite. She stayed disciplined to her goals, and never ventured far from the penny and nickel machines,…the ones that often made her a Winner! And this was just one facet of the fun that she and her fellow Wanderer's would share over the years, a membership that produced many cherished and special friendships along the way,…especially her St. Lad's Buddies, Cathy, Frank & Marge, and Pat. During her years of employment, Connie loved to treat her family to those precious "Beach Vacations" they had come to enjoy and bask in. Many of these tradition-setting getaways were spent in various points around the splendor of our Great Lakes State. But the truly special treat was when she gathered the clan together on Amelia Island in Jacksonville, Florida. As beautiful as Michigan is, it's hard to top the excitement and thrill of dipping your toes in the waters of Florida. These vacations made for some of the most memorable times that Connie shared with her family, moments that will be cherished forever.Another of Connie's passions was found in her favorite "boys of summer,"…those dashing Detroit Tigers. Unquestionably, Connie was one of the most devout and "in touch" fans the team has ever known. Oh sure,…the Tigers enjoy a host of supporters that eagerly wave that Blue & Orange Banner, but Connie took it to an entirely different level. She not only enjoyed the games, but she kept a mental record of everything about the team. It was no surprise to hear her rattle off stat after stat about the games, players, or basically anything Tigers related. There wasn't an ESPN commentator who had anything on Connie!Another favorite pastime of Connie's was dining out. The eating experience just had a whole different spin when she decided to forego the preparing and cleaning up stages for something out of somebody else's kitchen. And of all the places she enjoyed the most, the pinnacle experience was that of Sinbad's in Detroit. Her memories of that Detroit landmark were rife with wonderful food, precious company, and extra-special moments like the celebration of her retirement and her 80th Birthday,…events of which Sinbad's poured their finest hours into for this exceptional lady.And like most of us, the Christmas season was a time that Connie reveled in, and a time of year which brought out the dearest part of her giving spirit. A tradition her family came to adore was the infamous, "Grab Bag." She got so much joy out of shopping for and wrapping the many, varied gifts that would make their way into the bag,…and eventually into the hands of a loved one. It was just one of the unique treasures that she held close to her heart.But of the most special and endearing things in Connie's life, nothing could match or compare to the love and warmth she garnered through the hearts and lives of her precious grandchildren. Both a Grandma and a Great-Grandma, Connie bragged on her cherubs as if they already had their wings. From touting on how beautiful they are…to espousing their level of successes,…nobody else's grandchildren could hold a candle to her lineage. For them, and all the rest who were blessed to know this special woman, she leaves behind a legacy of love which is both unique and genuine to the person who truly made an impact on the hearts of many. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Connie was the beloved mother of Cynthia (James) Kirkwood. Loving grandmother of Abigail (Aaron) Elowski, Jim (Danielle) Kirkwood, Catherine (Tyler) Kole, and great-grandmother of Isabelle Elowski, Charlotte Elowski, Maxwell Elowski, Joshua Kirkwood, Everett Kirkwood, Oliver Kirkwood, Addison Kole, and Brooklyn Kole. Sister of the late Thomas Szaladzinski. Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Please share memories of Connie at her memory book.