Constance “Connie” Midori Gelleny (nee Yoshida) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 88 at Chinook Regional Hospital on February 28, 2024.

Connie was born in Fanny Bay, B.C. on September 8, 1935 to Nobushige and Tomo Yoshida. During World War II, Connie’s family was placed in an internment camp in Slocan Valley, B.C. As the war ended, the family moved to the Picture Butte area to farm sugar beets in 1946.

Connie attended the St. Michael’s School of Nursing, being one of the first graduates of the school in 1956. Connie married Thomas in 1959 and had three children. After a long and successful career in nursing, Connie supported her husband, Thomas, at his radiator shop.
They purchased ‘the farm’ outside of Coalhurst and spent their retirement years being “hobby farmers”. Connie moved back to Lethbridge after Tom passed.

Connie loved to golf, travel, play the lottery, socialize and garden. She had an extensive collection of flowers in every place she lived. Connie at her age was well known for her walking long distances in the Coulee Springs area while wearing her beloved safari hat. In addition to golf, she enjoyed watching hockey and was a true Calgary Flames fan. The only teams that Connie loved more was any team that her granddaughter and grandsons played on. Connie loved to spend time with her grandchildren and enjoyed telling everyone around her how proud she was of them. Over the years, she volunteered her time preparing meals at the Soup Kitchen. Connie was able to continue living at home until her passing under the support and care of her son, Bradley.

Connie is survived by her three children, Karen (Kirk) Gelleny, Bradley Gelleny, and Susan (John) Beers; her grandchildren: Kala, Owen (Kayla), and Carson Beers; and many nieces and nephews.

Connie is predeceased by her husband, Thomas and her siblings Ruth, Jean, May, June, Tim and Min.

A sincere thank you to EMS, Dr. A. Wilde, Dr. S. Wilde and the medical staff at Chinook Regional Hospital. A special thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to nurse Cailei for her tremendous care and support to Connie and family.

Connie will be fondly remembered and missed by all who loved her.

As per Connie’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

We Love You Mom!

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2024-02-28
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta