Connie was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on May 1, 1947. She passed away on July 11, 2024, unexpectedly in her family home where she and her sister Darlene lived almost their entire lives. She was the beloved daughter of Donald A. and Margaret E. Clabaugh, who are also deceased. She was a sister to Darlene and Larry Clabaugh, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Mary Schoenle (Ron), brother Denny Clabaugh (Tonia), and Larry's wife, Lucy Clabaugh. She had many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and one great-grand niece and one great-grand nephew. She was involved in their lives as much as she could be.

Connie was the oldest of five children. She went to Sacred Heart School through fourth grade, St. Henry's through eighth grade, and graduated from Bishop Luers in 1966. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Saint Francis. Soon after, she earned her Master's Degree in Education from Saint Francis. She babysat and worked at JC Penney's, then as a clerk at Roger's Market to help pay her way through college. After she graduated, she taught at St. Henry's Catholic School, where she had attended as a child and was an active member of the church. She gave back to St. Henry's beyond the school day by teaching CCD. She started this while teaching and continued to do this past her retirement until about 2022. She worked with many second graders to help them learn about and receive their First Communion. When St. Henry's school closed, she taught at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic School where she finished her career in the early 2010s.

Connie was always kind, quiet, compassionate, empathetic, religious, loving, giving, and, well, really any good word a person could think of. She had the patience of Job—one of her mother's favorite sayings. It is believed that Connie never raised her voice or became too mad.

Connie was devoted to God, her family, her school children, and also to the approximately 50 children that she and Darlene fostered over the years. They loved them as if they were their own. She impacted many lives.

Connie enjoyed vacations and went on a few with her cousin Martha. She and Darlene drove to California twice to camp and visit their Aunt Bea. They even took two foster children with them. They both loved to camp and bought several travel trailers over the years. Their last trip was in 2022—by then, they were mostly short trips.

Connie loved to read, garden, camp, bake, and always made her famous fudge her family loved. She and Darlene hosted many Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas get-togethers. Connie and Darlene made sure there was candy, cookies, and gifts galore for the kids.

Connie became a caretaker for Darlene as her health worsened. Connie cared for Darlene with grace, love, patience, and compassion. Connie stood by her side and tended to her needs. There were many, many doctor appointments, hospital stays, etc. Connie was there, but she also knew when to stand back and let Darlene do things on her own.

Darlene was a Komets fan and held season tickets for most of her adult life. Connie recently began joining Darlene at the home games, and her fandom and enthusiasm for the Komets grew over time. They enjoyed being with their many friends at the Komets games, and were well known throughout the organization as devoted fans.

Connie and Darlene had a wonderful friend, Rita Belot. They took her to Mass on Saturday evenings, usually followed by dinner. They would also grocery shop on Tuesdays. They were The Three Musketeers. Connie and Rita were together the Saturday night before Connie passed. They loved Rita and she loved them. They were friends to many at St. Henry's.

Connie also gathered for meals with her past fellow workers and friends from St. Henry's and St. Vincent De Paul's. Connie enjoyed seeing her friends and former colleagues.

Connie's life was full of service to people. It was difficult for the family, especially Connie, when Darlene died suddenly on December 27, 2023.

Losing Connie so soon after losing Darlene is so devastating to so many but, she has earned her place in heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, at St. Henry Catholic Church, 5711 Saint Henry's Ln. (46806) with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. (46805) with a Rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne.

Donations

Memorials can be made to the following in Connie's name:

The American Diabetes Association , www.diabetes.org

Mass Intentions , St. Henry Catholic Church