Connie Sue Waddell

                                                         Connie Sue Waddell 

                                       June 23, 1954 — November 18, 2024 

      Connie Sue Waddell, 70, of Erie, Colorado, passed away on November 18, 2024. Connie was a woman who brought love, warmth, and unwavering care to everyone around her with a quick wit, great sense of humor, and a down-to-earth nature. She was always ready to lend a hand and was especially loyal to her loved ones. 

      She was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in 1954 to Edward Buchanan and Vera Hays. She grew up in the countryside of Martinsburg and attended school in Utica where she developed a lifelong love for animals. One of her fondest memories was receiving a newborn lamb, "Butchy," from her grandfather, Lawrence Hays, which she nursed back to health. She often recalled Butchy as one of her best childhood friends. Connie was also a Brownie Girl Scout, where she thrived in making lasting friendships and being true to herself. 

      At just 14 years old, Connie faced the heartbreaking loss of her mother. In response, she stepped up to become the primary caregiver for her family, handling grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry with maturity beyond her years. 

      In 1969, the Buchanan family relocated to Colorado, where Connie soon met her first husband, Mike Blondo. They married in 1970 and had two children, Shawn (1972) and Mathew (1981). In 1982 Connie became a single mother and worked tirelessly to provide for her children. She held a job as a waitress at Denny's, where she became a favorite among regular customers and developed lasting friendships with co-workers. 

      It was at Denny’s that Connie met Lon Waddell, the love of her life. They were married in 1985 and shared nearly 40 years of happiness together. Their bond was unshakable; Lon would often say, "We're a unit," to which Connie would lovingly reply, "Just you and me." Together, they enjoyed camping trips, short flights in Lon’s airplane, hosting family gatherings, and playing card games like cribbage. They shared a deep affection for their many pets, each treated like a treasured family member. 

      They built their house in Parkland Estates where Lon enjoyed his aircraft hobbies and tending to their acreage and Connie enjoyed the solitude and the view of the Rocky Mountains and “Lon’s” (Long’s) Peak from their patio. Together, they made the house on Edie Place a welcoming home for their family and many friends.  

      Connie graduated from Front Range Community College with a business degree and worked as the office administrator for Lon's plumbing company. For nearly 30 years, they made a successful team, managing the business side-by-side. 

     A woman of many talents, Connie had a passion for photography and genealogy. She maintained an extensive library of photos and shared her photographs with family and friends, which often accompanied thoughtful letters and cards for holidays and special occasions. Her deep connection with her loved ones was evident in the way she kept in touch, no matter the distance. 

      Connie’s greatest treasures in life were her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Vera; siblings Nancy and Steve; and her adoring husband Lon, who she missed every day since his passing in September 2023. They were soul mates and now rest together in peace. Connie is survived by her sister Susie (Steve); children Shawn (Rebecca) and Mathew (Nicole); and stepchildren Mel (Jenny), Karen (Cindy), Tedd (Gregory), Cork, and Lisa (Jay); She loved her grandchildren Ashley, Jonah, Benjamin, Samuel, Morgan, Meghan (Sean), Jenna (James), Becca, Robin (Adam), Shannon (Kelly), Jamie, Kacy, and Joel. 

      A private graveside service will be held in December at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Erie, Colorado. A celebration in her honor will be scheduled for a later date in the warmer months of 2025. Condolences may be mailed to the family of Connie Waddell, c/o Shawn Blondo, P.O. Box 543, Central City, CO 80427. 

                                      We love you forever and __ __ __ __!