Deepest sympathy to Connies family and friends. As a graduate of CTU-Catholic Theological Union, Connie was such an important part of our experience. She will be greatly missed.  Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM

Connie and I became friends years ago  at CTU. She was staff; I am on faculty.  We went on DePauls' strolls together; I went to parties  and meals at her home.  Most recently, we went to Crown Point several times to visit a former colleague in a nursing home.   I last spoke with her just a week before she died.  Through it all, she was a most unselfish and generous person - she recently gave an apartment free of rent to an immigrant.  Connie was loyal to friends, but it was to her children and grandchildren that she was most committed.  In so many ways she lived for them.  It was an honor to know her and to call her 'friend.'
Dianne Bergant

Another great memory was taking my mom for her 1st tattoo. Mom decided that's what she wanted for her 80th birthday so I nominated myself to take  Mom, Ashley and Zack to get tattoos. So here she is on her actual birthday, getting her 1st tattoo like it's nothing and telling the artist how to do his job. We all laughed so hard! So glad to be a part of that special day!

I loved to go to Ikea with Nonnie. We always went to McDonald's first and then off to the big blue store.  Nonnie would always let us go upstairs to the toy department. My big brother Nathan and I would play with the loose toys and then Nonnie would let us pick out a plush toy each. And one time I even got Ikea legos! I'm going to miss Nonnie very much and wish I could give her another hug. Glad I have all of these plush toys to hug in her place! Thank you Nonnie! Love you!

Nonnie always loved to tell a story about one day when she was watching my brother Shawn and I when we were younger. Apparently she took us outside in the driveway to dance in the rain. Funny thing is neither of us remember this particular day. However the proof is in the picture. I love Nonnie! She was always so fun! I'm going to miss her very much!

Mom was such an inspiration to me.  She was so creative and artistic and had such vision. Whether she was painting a blue door, a bright orange coat or a purple haven deck, she definitely made everything her own. I truly admired the confidence she always showed in her style! 

She also inspired me to be the best mother I can be to my sons, Nathan and Shawn. When I was young, I thought my mom was the most resourceful person I knew. If you needed a last minute birthday gift or Halloween costume, or just some clothes mended, she was your gal. Later in life, I learned so much about tools and household projects that I'm now able to pass along that knowledge to my boys. 

Mom inspired me to be a more kind, caring and generous person which she displayed on a daily basis through her properties, her actions and by leaving her mark on everyone she met. 

I am so grateful for all of the many valuable lessons mom taught me over the years. My favorite always will be "all shall be well".



 Connie will be missed!
Our mothers were sisters, our dads both named Chet...one a diehard White Sox fan and one a Cubs fan.  We lived about 10 miles apart, but played together often.  Connie and I loved playing "house", dressing up, taking are of our families, while our husbands were away at war...hours of make believe!
I got all of Connie's "hand me downs" and then we passed them down to her sister Kris (they were worn out before we could pass them on to my sister, Mary Lou).  She made her beautiful pink & white tulle prom dress...and then let me borrow it.  We both sewed a lot, a passion for her, an economic necessity for me.
We both divorced with young children and we loved those kids passionately!  Yes, we were from the era of bell bottoms, miniskirts, disco boots, bikinis, and pony tails.
She lived on the south side and I lived on the north side, so we didn't see each other often, but always felt connected.  FB allowed us to share our families with each other, for which I'm grateful!
My prayers are with each of you...love as she loved, but even greater...with the love of God in your hearts!  
XOXO, Connie's cousin Barb

In autumn ‘98, Connie hired me as a temp at the ABPM where I worked on and off with both Connie and Kris for the next decade-ish. Though I had no idea at the time, the moment I was hired, I became family. Connie made sure: I am always included.
Over the years, Connie championed me. Connie took me very seriously. Connie celebrated me.  Connie, always kind, always had time for me.  With Connie, I felt special. And… I wager that everyone, who has ever been in Connie’s presence, felt like “ her favorite.” 
Connie: Beautiful; Artistic; Fearless; Forever Youthful-having never lost her sense of wonder about life. Connie unequivocally adored her family.  Connie wasn’t daunted or annoyed by the learning curve of ….anything. Connie embraced technology- like Facebook, for example.  
Except for Facebook, lately I haven’t had much other contact with Connie. Still, I feel a profound and gaping loss, compounded with the realization: there’s one less Jedi guarding peace in the galaxy. 
Thank you for the gift of you, Constance R Hyland. I’ll miss you. 


M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
Love and miss you Nonnie 

I met Connie 3 years ago. She called  about an ad I had posted about starting a rooftop solar company in Illinois.  When I met with her she told me that she didn’t care about saving money but was more interested in leaving the world a better place for her kids and grandkids.   After our meeting I went home and found a Facebook friend alert on my iPad and of course it was Connie.    We have been sharing posts every since!  I really admired her love of family and her overall strength as a human being and am blessed to have met her. 

Mom
I saw this picture and wanted to say that I know you are dancing up in heaven with Tommy.  We miss you both so much but it is a comfort knowing you are finally together. 💜💜💜

Dear Connie's Family,
I knew Connie through her sister Kris.  She would come to Calif to  visit Kris and the 3 of us would go SHOPPING, lunching ,  and laughing together.  One Christmas she created a stocking for my daughters new boy friend because I have no crafting skills.  She stayed at my house a number of times and I stayed with her in Chicago after Kris passed.  I remember Kates wedding  and  sharing good times with Connie and her brothers and their wives.  Although   we didn't talk as much as we could have I will miss her.  She was my friend and a part of my life.  With Love, Kay McKenzie

Who is my mom?  For those who did not have the pleasure of meeting her, let me try to capture her for you.  She was kind and generous,  touching more lives than you can imagine.  She kept singles in her car to give to the needy.  If I was driving and did not give the money away, she would get so mad at me.  As kids (6 of us), as if that wasn't enough, she brought in troubled neighborhood kids and took care of them. She loved to decorate, remodel, rearrange your house...even if you did not want to...and it always ended up better than the way you had it.  She was artistic in so many ways.  She had a unique style about her that none of us could ever pull off.  She could take a pile of junk and make it look like art.  She never stopped working on projects and helping people...until the very last few weeks of her life.  An amazing person who collected bags, hats and sunglasses, among other things.  A not so good driver and a little vain.  Could use any tool better than most men I know and always fixed/built things herself.  She was an amazing seamstress and we are all in trouble if we need fixes now..  An organized person...always knowing where everything is when needed...a great quality that I did not pick up on!  She made an impression on everyone she met...I mean everyone!  We threw a 75th birthday party for her...she invited her Costco hearing aid rep to the party!  Every Thanksgiving there were random people at the table as no one should be alone.  It didn't matter that our family is almost 30 people alone..there was always room for just one more. Mom was passionate about many things...politics (uggh)..she loved watching Rachel Maddo.  The last few weeks of her life, she binge watched Grace and Frankie and Schitts Creek.  She owned multiple apartment buildings and treated every one of her tenants like they were family.   Her dream was to die skinny and rich....well Mom,  you did it.  You were skinny and rich with the love of your family and friends. I love you 💜

What can I say about Connie? There are no words sufficient to capture the essence of that glorious woman whose friendship I have been blessed by since 1978. Hardworking, creative, generous, compassionate, determined, loving and fun beyond measure. She faced many challenges in her life – and she took them on with resilient passion. She walked alongside so many people – beloved family and complete strangers alike – to accompany them in love and mercy through illness, sorrow, and all manner of hard times. 

Connie crafted a fabulous, meaningful life, much of it revolving around her children and grandchildren to whom she was endlessly and joyfully devoted. I have such gratitude to you all, Linda, Kris, Jenny, Johnny, and Amy, for allowing me to join your amazing mother and all of you on life’s journey. She leaves a big hole in the Hyland clan, but she will undoubtedly find a way to inspirit us all, for death lacks the capacity to compromise the power of her indomitable love.


What can I say the most giving person Ive known such a kind heart and giving soul.Over the years Connie has always treated me and Hunter like family she was the glue keeping this great family together always helping others and doing projects.We butted heads more than once but always got through it.She treated me like a son and Hunter like a grandson which I will never forget .She is one person for sure that will be in heaven .Thanks for all that you have done in my life. RIP  NONNIE .

I made a contribution to Christmas Without Cancer in loving memory of Connie’s beautiful life. 

Connie was one of life’s true treasures.  I have known and admired Connie for thirty years, first as a colleague at the American Board of Preventive Medicine where she was an exceptional Administrator, and then as my dearest friend.  We shared many happy and fun-filled days together traveling to sunny places and visiting each other in California and Chicago.  She was one of the kindest, most caring people I know and she brought so much sunshine into so many lives.  My world will never be the same without Connie in it.  I will miss her so much.  My heart goes out to her wonderful family as Rob and I send our love and prayers.

Connie and I have been friends in what seems like forever. She was so special. We had many an adventure as our friendship grew. We shared our dreams and our tragedies. She was a memory maker. 
A best friend forever. I will truly miss her. 

I had the pleasure of working with Connie for over 15 years at the American Board of Preventive Medicine.  She was the "glue" that held everything together.  Her calm demeanor and kind words helped many diplomates navigate the pathway to board certification.  It was my privilege to know Connie for many years as a friend and colleague.  May she rest in peace and may her family know her love throughout the generations. 

I have benefited from Connie's unselfishness since the 1980s when we were both at Catholic Theological Union.   She was passionately committed to her children and grandchildren and extraordinarily generous to others.   The world is a better place because of her.
Dianne Bergant, CSA   

Connie was a gem of a person.  Her kindness will continue to inspire me for years to come.  She is someone I will never forget.  May she be at peace.

OBITUARY

Constance "Connie" R Hyland

July 24, 1940 – September 24, 2021

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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