Connie Koska
October 22, 1935 - January 3, 2023
“It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.” - J.R.R. Tolkein
Connie lived a simple life indeed. She took great pride in her family, her home and her work ethic. She raised her children with the hope that they would live happy lives. She loved her husband with her whole soul even after he had passed away. She worked hard at any thing she took on whether it be her job, volunteering or making things for her own enjoyment.
She believed in a job well done.
Connie loved to make things with her own hands. She spent countless hours sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting. She was amazing to watch in the kitchen. She wasn’t a gourmet cook but she could whip up a meal for many without breaking a sweat. It didn’t matter what time you came to her door. If you were hungry, you were fed. To watch her as she prepared Christmas “goodies” was exhausting. She was a strong, tough woman because life isn’t easy. But, she had a generous heart. She would indeed give you whatever she could to make your life easier. Over her years she was “Mom” to many children and adults her own children would drag home knowing they would be welcomed. We never hesitated to bring an extra mouth to the table. Once you sat at Connie’s table she considered you family. Her strength and kindness had a part in shaping more than just her biological children. Connie had simple rules to live by:
You don’t know you can’t unless you try. Give people the benefit of the doubt. And you don’t have to look far or hard to see someone who is less fortunate than you. Connie was predeceased by her parents (George and Mildred Gibb), her brother (Gary Gibb), her loving husband Steve and her children Warren and Karen. Left to carry on her simple life lessons are her children Dale (Susan) and Trina (Peter), her son in law Dennis, her grandchildren Jason (Dakota and Abigail) and Jareme (Samara, Sophia and Olivia), her sister Norma Duke (Tom) and her brother Glenn Gibb. Along with her family surely her words and strength will live on in all those she welcomed into her extended family.