PIERRE, SD –

Constance “Connie” Carole Woods

After suffering a stroke in February, death came as a friend to Connie on November 14. She was 77 years old. Connie was born in Pierre, SD, the youngest of John and Anne (Sperl) Woods’ five children. She graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in 1964 and from South Dakota State University with a Master’s Degree in Education. One honor she was very proud of was when she was selected the State Representative for the Senate Youth Program in Washington D.C. where she gave the Catholic prayer at President Kennedy’s grave. Connie delighted in her 33 year career teaching Physical Education at Jackson and Pierce Elementary Schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, retiring in 2002 and moving to Peoria, AZ in 2014.

A former South Dakota Junior Miss with Olympic level competitiveness at playing cards, Connie attended well and faithfully to a few worthy things: Little ones – be they her students or nieces and nephews; Friendships – she could make relationships special; Christmas – her favorite holiday; And most importantly, the mysteries of faith – we celebrate her future.

Connie is survived by her sisters Patti Roger and Mary Greenfield and her brother-in-law Maynard Greenfield all of Pierre. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anne Woods of Pierre, SD, and brothers Chuck and Tom.

A memorial service will be held in Pierre at a later date. Condolences may be sent to: Mary Greenfield, 120 N. Harrison St., Pierre, SD 57501.

Connie’s family is grateful for the compassionate care she received from the staff at Grace Hill Ranch Assisted Living Home of Phoenix and for her niece, Julie, whose caregiving in Connie’s final months embodied the love so many of us have received from Connie. Where love has been, love will always be.

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