Constance Meredith Vardeman was born in Kansas City, Kansas on August 28, 1931 and passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 2, 2023 at the age of 91. Connie was the daughter of Frances Audrey Ashley and Claude James Decker. She attended Wyandotte High School and the University of Kansas City.
In 1953, Connie married her beloved husband Paul, and they enjoyed sixty nine years of marriage. Connie is survived by their daughter, Lisa Vardeman O’Connor, her husband Robert O’Connor, and three grandchildren, Matthew, Megan and Allison O’Connor of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Sue Kimble.
Connie treasured her time as a homemaker and mother. She enjoyed volunteering and helping with all her daughter’s activities and events. She was a gracious entertainer and an excellent cook, and she hosted many dinner parties. Connie had the ability to sample dishes at gourmet restaurants and recreate them at home. She also loved to bake and always had freshly baked cookies and cakes. Another of Connie’s passions was reading, and she always had a new book or crossword puzzle to solve. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter and grandchildren.
Connie loved to spend time with her family and to travel. Her favorite places to visit were Nantucket, London, and Houston. She and Paul were avid sailors and enjoyed sailboat racing. They were among the founders of the Lake Jacomo Yacht Club.
It was important to Connie that everyone felt loved and celebrated during special events, and she never failed to recognize birthdays and other occasions. She was very thoughtful in her actions, and always had kind words for everyone. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she was proud of her extensive Santa Claus collection. She had the ability to make everyone feel special and included, and she loved to bring others joy.
A visitation will be held for Connie and Paul from 10:00 - 11:30 am on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. A private family service will follow.
If you wish to honor Connie, please consider a donation in her name to Camp CUMCITO, ℅ City Union Mission, 1100 East 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 or cityunionmission.org.
