Constance Elaine "Connie" Holtman, a beacon of love and faith, completed her earthly journey on October 27, 2024, after 83 years of a life lived with grace, joy, and an unwavering dedication to her family. Born on February 16, 1941, to Carlton (Stub) and Edna Hurley, Connie had two younger siblings, Janice Parker and Lynn Hurley. Her next-door neighbor Jerrilynn (Pell) Sunnerville was as close as a sister and her lifelong best friend.

Connie attended Plainwell High School where she was a cheerleader, played in the band, and was on homecoming court. After graduating with the PHS Class of '59, Connie married Paul Holtman on October 24th of the same year.  She dedicated her life to nurturing the growth of her family, her faith and the beautiful flowers around her home.

Connie was the heart of her family, weaving a tapestry of love that extended beyond her biological ties. She shared her life with her late husband, Paul Holtman, and together they raised a trio of daughters, Jill (David) Reyes, Vicki (Jay) Dunham, and Dawn (Dennis) Brown. Her arms and her heart were always open, which was why Vincent Guzman (from Chicago) found a second home as her godson, and Ana Hedberg (from Brazil) found a second mom in Kalamazoo.

Her legacy will continue through the stories, her love, and her blueberry pies. Connie enjoyed flower gardening, cooking and baking, crafting, and being at, or better yet, IN the lake.  She passed on these same loves to her children, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren along with the importance of loving one another. Nothing made her happier than seeing her family together having fun.

The words loving, faith-filled, and kind only begin to scratch the surface of describing Connie. She was a mother not just to her children but to anyone who needed one, a grandmother who loved her grandchildren deeply, and a great-grandmother who always wanted those babies in her arms. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, a garden of memories, and a family cultivated with love. Her life was a beautiful melody of faith, family, and fun —a story that will resonate in the hearts of those who will love her forever.

The phrase, "Remember that time that Grandma Connie..." is how her family will remember her the best. She brought laughter to her family through the silly things that she did - some on purpose, but most by accident!

Connie's faith was the cornerstone of her existence, a wellspring of strength that she drew from, especially in times of trial. Her relationship with God sustained her, and she was a living testament to the power of prayer.  Although Connie had many medical trials over the last 31 years of her life that robbed her of much of her independence, she continued to believe in a loving God that was using her life to bring others to the Lord. She continued to praise the Lord for all things big and small.

The sun has set on Connie's earthly life, but her light continues to shine bright in the myriad of lives she touched. She has returned to her Creator, and we can almost hear her say, with that twinkle in her eye, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, and boy, have I had a good laugh doing it." Rest in peace and joy, until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held July 19 at 2 pm at Dawn Brown's house with Connie's favorite desserts to follow.  All are welcomed to attend.  Please bring a lawn chair.  3908 Mary Road, Bloomingdale, MI.  Questions may be directed to Dawn at 269-998-2453.