Constance Maria Erlinghagen, age 96, born October 6, 1926, in Columbus, Ga., passed away November 28, 2022, at Avantara Care Center, Aurora, Ill.

In her early years, Connie worked at "Ma Bell" as a switchboard operator. For many years, she supervised the support team at Kirkland & Ellis Law Firm, Chicago. She married the love of her life, Robert W. Erlinghagen, a WWII veteran, on April 16, 1945, in Ardmore, Okla. They met as best man and maid of honor at a wedding and married 10 weeks later. "Don't get any ideas. Things were different during the War." Bob preceded her in death 62 years later, on March 3, 2007. Connie and Bob were longtime residents of Park Forest, Ill., where they were founding members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Connie and Bob raised three children in this post-war planned community. She loved her children and was determined they should experience strong family support and the best life they could provide. Connie and Bob moved to O'Fallon in 1999, where they were parishioners at St. Nicholas Catholic Church and members of Yesterday's Kids.

A good word to describe Connie is "fierce." She fiercely loved her family. She fiercely loved God. She fiercely defended what she knew was right. Connie never did anything half-way. She jumped in with both feet, head-first. She was a force to be reckoned with.

Connie never stopped learning. She spent many an evening reading the encyclopedia! She kept learning about God, too. She asked Monsignor Hitpas many questions over the years, which he always graciously answered. Monsignor Hitpas was her true friend.

Connie loved spending time with her family. She loved a good cup of coffee and had a penchant for chocolate. She had a fine sense of humor. She cooked a delicious holiday meal! Connie was a wonderful grandmother. She helped with homework and carpooling. Their home was warm and welcoming. She always had time for slumber parties! She passed on to her grandchildren her love of family history and how important it is to live life with honor, laughter, and love. She taught her children and grandchildren to be honest, to do the right thing, and to have good manners!

Connie spent her last year on the planet at Avantara Aurora. The family cannot say enough about the kind staff and the great care she received there. They were a blessing to the end.

Mom has gone home now and is with her husband, parents, brothers and sisters, all of whom she dearly loved. She's keeping the light on for the rest of us.

She is survived by her children Marianne (David) Troscinski of Oswego, Ill., Karen (William, III) Hoffman of Palatine, Ill., and Robert J. (Herlinda) Erlinghagen of O'Fallon, Ill.; seven grandchildren Erin (Brent) Lightfoot, William (Kara) Hoffman, Robert W. (Lezli) Erlinghagen, II, Jessica (Reese) Tabarly, Elyse (Shawn Lee) Troscinski, Rachel (Jacob) Vaughn, and Michael Hoffman; and eight great-grandchildren and one on the way! She will be dearly missed by them all.

Memorial donations are suggested in the form of Masses, payable to St. Nicholas Church. Sign the guestbook at wfh-ofallon.com.

The family will receive friends from 9 – 10:30 am, Saturday, December 3, 2022, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, with Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:30 am, with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding. Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.