Constance "Connie" Malley

A calm, reassuring, and gracious woman, Constance Malley was a true gift in the lives of those around her. As a lifelong resident of the community she loved, she was never one to worry about building wealth according to the world’s measure, rather, she set her sights on sharing the joy that was in her heart with so many others. With her unwavering faith as her constant companion, Connie raised the children she was so very proud of. She certainly loved being a mother, but she just may have argued that being a grandmother was the role she cherished most. The brilliant mosaic of memories Connie leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many.

During the early part of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as we had sent countless young servicemen and women to fight for the preservation of freedom during WWII. Those who remained stateside dealt with rationing on common goods like coffee, paper, and rubber while victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the national food supply. It was with great anticipation that a young couple from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, greeted the summer of 1943 as they were awaiting the birth of their fifth baby. Their wait was over on July 30th when their healthy baby girl drew her first breath. Baby Connie was one of eight children born to her parents, Willis and Evelyn (Rademacher) Earl, and she was raised in the family home alongside her four older siblings, Donna, Lewis, Jean, and Richard, and her younger three siblings, Larry, Shirley, and Karen. Her father was a farmer who raised cows and cash crops, and he also did construction work at times. Connie’s mother was a busy homemaker. As was often the case, she and her siblings also had their fair share of work around the home and farm. Connie was a student at local schools, graduating from Beal City High School in 1961.

New and exciting changes were in store for Connie when she met a man named Russell Lee Malley, with whom she would write an eloquent love story. They met through a mutual friend. Truth be told, Connie was less than impressed at first as she thought Russell was a bit of a show-off. He grew on her in time, and after dating for awhile the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together Connie and Russell were married on May 19, 1962, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Winn, Michigan.

Life truly began for Connie when she and Russell welcomed their first of seven children, Tammy. From the moment she became a mother, Connie fully embraced the enormity of the task. Tammy was later followed by Tom, Angie, Jean, Scott, Kevin, and Jason. Connie was an extraordinary homemaker whose family was her life. She remained very close with her extended family as well as her siblings all owned property around an area called “The Pines” near Connie’s home, which brought much of her family to the area to celebrate holidays. Halloween was one of her favorite times as it was a truly magical time when her whole family could get together to dress up and have fun. Even as her children grew older and had families of their own, Connie always hosted all the holiday gatherings.

In addition to her family, Connie’s faith was a cornerstone in her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Leo’s Church in Winn where she served as the president of the altar society for a time. Through the years Connie’s church was of the utmost importance to her. She was diligent in prayer, too, always lighting a holy candle to remember someone she loved who was ill.

Throughout her life Connie enjoyed so many things. With her family all living so close she didn’t need to travel out of Michigan much, but she did love going up to the Mackinac Bridge and to the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie. On her way up North she always made a point to stop and light a candle at the Cross in the Woods in Indian River. Connie did travel to Las Vegas with her children, Tammy and Scott, where they made numerous memories together. Closer to home she liked visiting the Soaring Eagle Casino, and she was also a whiz at completing crossword puzzles and playing solitaire. Connie loved following the Detroit Tigers and was delighted to attend her first game in 2011 with Tammy, Greg, and Scott where they had great seats right behind home plate. Connie enjoyed music, especially when her husband played his steel guitar.

All who knew Connie would agree that she was truly one of a kind. She was one of the sweetest people around and had patience that never seemed to run dry. When Connie was startled by something she was known to exclaim, “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” Not usually one to shy away from what she was thinking, she also told her husband, when he was driving, that Jesus jumped out the window at 70 mph! Connie was able to remain calm no matter what was going on around her, and she had the greatest sense of humor, too. Even from her hospital bed Connie was cracking jokes to keep the mood light for her family.

Through the life of Constance Malley we are reminded that it is not in what we have that we find true happiness, but that it is in what we give to others that we are richly blessed. She was comforting and gracious in the way she treated others, offering love without expecting anything in return. A loving wife and devoted mother, Connie created a legacy rooted in generosity, selflessness, and unending faith that will remain alive through those who follow her.

Connie Malley of Mt. Pleasant died on Friday, December 21, 2012, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Connie’s family includes her seven children, Tammy (Greg) Seeley of Weidman, Tom (Kathy) Malley of Weidman, Angie (Chris) Dutcher of Remus, Jean (Kevin McCaul) Gyger of Mt. Pleasant, Scott (Deb) Malley of Shepherd, Kevin (Gerry) Malley of Mt. Pleasant and Jason (Tara) Malley of Mt. Pleasant; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Donna Bellinger of Mt. Pleasant, Jean (Jerry) Beck of Lansing, Richard (Janet) Earl of Mt. Pleasant, Larry (Deb) Earl of Laingsburg, Shirley (Roger) Rice of Alma, Karen (Bruce) Long of Mt. Pleasant; sister-in-law, Donna Jean Earl of Mt. Pleasant; mother-in-law, Lillian Malley-Faber; and many nieces and nephews. Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; brother, Lewis; and granddaughter, Jennifer Malley. A Funeral Mass for Connie will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 27, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Winn with Father Fred Kawka presiding. Burial will be in St. Leo’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. Visitation continues at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.