July 13th of 1943 was the hottest day recorded in Syracuse, NY that month, and it also happened to be the day that Constance “Connie” May Springs was born. She was the only child of Don and Kathy Brown, with one and perhaps two half siblings, as the story goes. Connie led an interesting life, from marshaling a St. Patrick’s Day parade in her early years to learning how to bowl from Syracuse bowling legend, Marty Piraino. She graduated from St. Anthony’s of Padua School in 1961 and shortly thereafter graduated from Powelson Business Institute in 1962, of which she was very proud. We know this because she kept her mini diploma in her wallet until her death. Upon graduation, Connie started working at Howe Jewelers until she married Gary Springs, her mother’s best friend’s son, which coincidentally ended that friendship forever. They married on November 23rd, 1963, the day following JFK’s assassination, which should have been a warning sign that the marriage was doomed. Over the next several years, Connie unwillingly traveled across the globe with her husband due to his military career. Along the way, their three talented, good-looking, and incredibly amazing children, Colleen, Kitty, and Steve were born, certainly none of whom took part in writing this.

Connie and Gary’s marriage ended in 1980, which could have easily started the next world war. She was a dedicated Contract Specialist for the VA Medical System in Syracuse, NY, Columbia, SC, and Bay Pines, FL until her retirement in 2004. Connie then enjoyed her retirement in Florida by taking care of her parents, singing karaoke, offering unsolicited advice, and sampling any and all adult beverages. She was an extremely devoted daughter and cared for her parents until their deaths, although she never felt like she could do enough for them.

In her retirement, Connie also decided to take up being a pet owner after Benji, her demon Yorkshire Terrier, was gifted to her. Benji followed wherever she went, and they moved together to live with family in Indiana in 2020. She didn’t like eating our wheat bread and she always thought there were too many condiments in the refrigerator (all you need is ketchup, mustard, mayo, and horseradish, apparently), but she had the freedom to do practically whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Despite her complaints and imperfections, Connie loved her children dearly and did whatever was in her power to take care of them, even as adults.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Jerry, and of course, her dog Benji. She is survived by her children, Colleen (James) Gainey of Palm Bay, FL, Kitty (Troy) Thomas of Schererville, IN, and Steve (Kristina) Springs of Brooksville, FL, 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, raise a glass and tip your local bartender.