Connie M. Fawcett

CIHA, FAWCETT, FREEMAN, HILLER, KEARNS, KRESS, LIPSKI, LOUGHREN, MCDOWELL, WHITNEY

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 12/12/2024 at 13:54:46

Connie M. Fawcett, 72, of Winthrop, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Connie Marie Loughren was born May 8, 1952, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard Patrick and Mary Loretta (McDowell) Loughren. She was the 7th of 10 children, all raised on the Loughren family farm in rural Monti, IA. Connie was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monti. She attended Monti Consolidated School, St. Patrick School in Ryan, and graduated from East Buchanan Community High School in 1970. She attended Mount Mercy College for one year, and later received her AA degree from Kirkwood Community College.

Connie married Gregory “Greg” Fawcett on June 26, 1971, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monti. They were married for 53 years, until Greg’s death in July 2024. Connie’s family and friends were the highlights of her life, particularly her grandchildren. She never knew a stranger, and many of her children’s friends considered her to be their mom also. Connie loved that her home was a favorite place for friends and family to stop by, say hello, and stay for a visit. She was very proud of her Irish heritage, having visited Ireland with her mother, sisters, and sister-in-law in 1992.

Connie and Greg hosted several French summer exchange students when their daughters were at home. They hosted Sophie Mage in 1997, and the Fawcett and Mage families began a friendship that continues today. Connie and Greg hosted many members of the extended Mage family over the years, and they traveled to France several times to visit and celebrate special times with their French friends.

Connie was a lifelong nurturer, from raising her own children, to reading to her grandchildren, serving as a religious education teacher at St. Patrick in Winthrop for many years, and working as a substitute paraprofessional at both East Buchanan and Independence schools. She was a lifelong learner as well, attending one year of college immediately after high school, taking a 20-year break to marry Greg and begin raising their family, and then returning to college at Kirkwood when her daughters were teens, receiving her Associate of Arts degree in Accounting in 1994. Connie was a proud 4-Her as a child, displaying her sewing and cooking skills, while also showing beef cattle at area fairs and shows. She was later a dedicated 4-H leader for the Buffalo Bells 4-H Club in Winthrop for over 10 years, where she encouraged youth to strengthen their communication skills, explore a variety of interests and projects, and worked to inspire the next generation to set goals and achieve their dreams. Connie’s cooking skills were always on display around the holidays, when she delighted in making Christmas candies and cookies to share with family and friends. Her decorated sugar cookies were always a huge hit!

Connie was also passionate about people. She served in countless volunteer roles throughout her life, including several years as a member of the Buchanan County Health Trust Board, seeking only to better those around her. Connie was always willing to help – as long as people understood she would probably be running late! She enjoyed boating, playing in several card clubs, spending time with family and friends, and she especially loved working with her husband, Greg, at Fawcett’s Funeral Home and Furniture Store. Connie had an amazing ability to connect with others, and her special gift was working with people during some of the most difficult times in their lives. She will be loved and missed by so many.

She is survived by her four children: Lori (Jason) Ciha of Gilbert, AZ; Patricia (Tony) Lipski of Washington, IA; Janet (Mark) Kress of Rowley, IA; and Johnathan (Anna) Fawcett of Winthrop; eleven grandchildren: Trevor, Allyson, and Madelyn Ciha; Joseph, Aidan, and Hannah Lipski; Dylan, Kayla, and Emma Kress; and Maverick and Jackson Fawcett; brothers and sisters: Dick (Sheila) Loughren, Sr. Mary Kay Loughren, Don (Gloria) Loughren, Sr. Marge Loughren, Jim (Lois) Loughren, Ken (Elaine) Loughren, Janet (Terry) Whitney, and Mike (Dianne) Loughren; and many nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Greg, on July 17, 2024; her parents; father- and mother-in-law, Lester “Bud” and Kathryn (Freeman) Fawcett; sister Sara (Loughren) Hiller; brother-in-law Douglas Fawcett; grandson Jacob Lipski; nephews and nieces Christopher Loughren, Morgan Hiller, Caitlin Hiller, and Kelcie Hiller; great-nephew Victor Loughren; and great-niece Shelby Kearns.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 A.M. December 20, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Winthrop, Iowa, with Reverend David Beckmann officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. December 19, 2024, and 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. December 20, 2024, at Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home in Winthrop.

Vigil Service: 7:00 P.M. December 19, 2024.
Interment: St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Winthrop, Iowa.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com