Constance Diane Sogsti

In loving memory of a remarkable woman, our beloved mother, Constance (or as everyone called her “Connie”) whose life was a testament to unwavering love, strength, and compassion. Born into humble beginnings, Connie was born in Ohio on June 2, 1951. First surviving daughter of Joseph and Blanche Kennedy, Connie was the eldest of four siblings, Joseph Jr., Anthony and Daniel. During her younger years, Joseph and Blanche moved to southern California where they settled in Hawthorne. Joseph and Blanche were devout Catholics and Connie was raised in the Catholic faith. Connie attended Hawthorne High School. As a teenager, Connie liked spending time with friends and enjoyed the vibrant emerging “beach pop” music scene.

Shortly after graduating of High School, Connie married Stephen (Steve) Sogsti, from Lawndale, Ca at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Hawthorne. Connie and Steve had two children, Stephanie and Stephen Jr. (Stevie) As a young mother of two, she embraced life with an indomitable spirit that shaped her into the extraordinary person we were fortunate to call Mom. From the early years of selfless sacrifice to provide support for her family, to the countless bedtime stories that ignited our imaginations, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to nurturing and shaping the lives of her children and those around her.

Her legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of familial ties. Steve and Connie embarked on a small business venture where they established a small delicatessen and sandwich shop in Cypress. Brothers Two Deli was a major chapter in the Sogsti family life. While running the “shop”, she touched the hearts of many with her boundless kindness and generosity. As a pillar of support in our lives, she instilled in us the values of hard work, resilience, and empathy. Her ability to find joy in the simplest of moments and offer solace in times of adversity left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. During her time running the “shop”, Connie formed a keen sense of natural ability in business accounting. After the business was sold, Connie pursued and successfully completed an accounting certificate program. Shortly after, she was hired and began work as an account technician for the Centralia School District (CSD) in Buena Park. Connie worked at the CSD while completing a bachelor’s degree from the University Of La Verne. Connie worked her way up through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Director of Fiscal Services for the CSD. Connie held that position for many years until retirement. After 20+ years with Centralia, Connie decided to retire. Upon retirement, Connie enjoyed relaxing, reading romantic historical novels, and travelling to their “ranch property” in Sonora, Ca. She also started attending the St. Hedwig Bible Study, volunteering with the St. Hedwig Bible Camp and became an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Connie was also a grandmother of three; Kaden, Charlotte, and Annika as well as a step-granddaughter Rebecca. Today, as we bid farewell to this extraordinary soul, we celebrate a life well-lived and cherish the enduring impact she has had on each of us. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the support, care, and love of family, she departed with grace, leaving behind a tapestry of memories that will forever be woven into the fabric of our lives. Though her physical presence may be gone, the love and wisdom she imparted to us will remain eternally embedded in our hearts. As we honor her memory, let us carry forward the lessons she taught us, continuing to spread love, kindness, and compassion in a world that was brighter with her in it. Connie is survived by her husband, Steve, her children, Stephanie and Steve Jr. and her grandchildren. Rest in peace, dear mother, your love will guide us always.

A visitation for Constance will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dimond & Shannon Mortuary, 10630 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, 11503 Los Alamitos Blvd,, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.