Constance (Connie) Rose Tilley

Constance (Connie) Rose Tilley, 83, passed away on February 8, 2026, surrounded by family in her San Antonio home. Connie, also known as Geema, was born in Rochester, New York on September 22, 1942, to Verna and Joseph Russell. She attended San Benito High School and Texas A&M University in Kingsville, Texas.

Connie married the love of her life, David Tilley on July 18, 1964 at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in San Benito, Texas. Together they had 3 children, Karen, Matthew and Russell.

Connie is survived by David her husband of 62 years; her brother, Kenneth Russell; her daughter, Karen Wheeler and husband, Darby; her sons, Matthew Tilley, and Russell Tilley; grandchildren Christian, Ty, Ronnie, Clesi, and Grayson; and great-granddaughter, Avery.

She was preceeded in death by her mother and father.

Connie met her husband David in Kingsville, Texas, who was stationed there at NAS and also going to school, where they subsequently got married. They held their wedding reception at the family farm in San Benito, Texas. Connie obtained her Bachelors Degree in Education from Texas A&M . She did her student teaching at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Harlingen, Texas. Connie taught children all around the world starting in the Philippines and Guam and then finishing in Kingsville, Texas where she retired. She taught all age groups throughout her career. She was especially proud and embraced her calling as a Special Education teacher working with those students who needed her the most.

After retirement, Connie and David moved to San Antonio, Texas, and became an integral part in their children and grand-children’s lives. They built their dream home and began to host reunions, birthdays and numerous other celebrations, and did this for many years. Connie seemed to be able to make friends wherever she went. She enjoyed meeting people and soon after would be conversing about any subject that would come up. Connie always looked at the bright side of everything and was very proud of her Polish heritage. Her hobby was cooking from scratch and could even turn leftovers into a gourmet meal. Connie liked to play Bunco and enjoyed get-togethers with her friends.