Connie Jo Gilligan

She is pre-deceased by her mother, father, both her sisters, child Patrick Sewell, and husband Gary R Gilligan.

She was a beloved mother of eight children. She is survived by her, much-loved, biological children: Jim Sewell II, Steven (Stacy) Sewell, Tracey (James) Miller, Dana (Mike) Haberman and Michael (Erin Mique) Boner as well as, her cherished step-children Laura (Don) Crouse and Lisa (Chris) Cruse. Connie absolutely adored her grandkids: Shawn, Tavia, Dj, Brian, Brendan, Nathan, Rachel, Rebecca, Kaylee, Brady, Bryson, and Katie.

She enjoyed family and friend gatherings, crafting, cooking, math, book-work, getting a great deal, volunteering at Fish, and when she could not be with her family or friends she enjoyed long phone calls. Most of all, she loved the Lord with all her heart, soul and praised his name until the end! In her working years, she had many interesting and fun roles. She managed The Steakout where she cultivated her love of live music. She met many wonderful artists in those years.

She also worked for Apex Computers, learning roles from accounting to creating computer dense packs and getting stellar deals for the company. Her motto was, "You can't get a deal unless you ask…The worst they can say to me is no!" She was a business-minded woman and had a good head on her shoulders. She understood that in life, some risks must be taken, to reap the reward.

She had a giant heart, gave of her time and served the community through Fish food bank. She also had a career in the Airline Industry, "In the Glory Days of Flying" during the 70s and 80s. She was based from Seattle to Hawaii. Connie was able to take her family and travel to many destinations average American families at that time could only dream of. Although her all-time favorite was Hawaii!

She had started up and stopped other businesses after the airlines and put her dreams on hold to be her sister Sherrie's caregiver. She was loyal and cared for her because family was the next priority after God. She also was her husband Gary's faithful caregiver until he passed on June 2, 2015. Connie loved her family fiercely. She did her best to stay close to her kids, be a good mom and provide for them. She admitted that she made mistakes, but there was no mistaking that she wanted all of her kids close, hated to be separated from them and constantly prayed for their protection. They were her world and her reason for staying on earth as long as she did. She fought hard for more time with them and the grandkids. She wanted every moment to be a good memory.

Also, she wanted to show her grandkids unconditional love, guide them through this world and show them the love of the Heavenly Father. When times were tough, this was often for her, she would say, "Lord, I am lifting up my hand and putting it in yours." She would literally lift up her hand, wherever she was, and put her hand in His! She was a prayer warrior and prayed over her family until the end. Her faith and love will live on, in those whose lives she touched, forever. Amen.

Please join us for the Celebration of Connie's life, Friday, June 2, 2017, 10-11 am at Mercer Creek Church, 1407 N. B St., Ellensburg, WA 98926. There will be a brief (1.5 hr reception) directly after with light snacks and refreshments served. The family asks that people dress casual yet appropriate. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Northstar Lodge, KVH Home Health and Hospice and/or Hospice Friends of Ellensburg.

To share a memory of Connie please visit www.steward-williams.com .