I was friends with Connie in her freshman year of high school. I'll always remember her great sense of humor of how she loved clothes. Good bye Connie.

I first met Connie at Tae Kwon Do class. My family had recently moved to the area and didn't know a lot of people. I had taken a few lessons, and it wasn't long before Connie struck up a conversation. Her warm smile and outgoing personality was so contagious. We often sparred one another, and during one sparring session I accidentally kicked her in the head. Actually the kick was on purpose, I just didn't mean to kick that hard. Well, she picked herself up, dusted herself off, and then proceeded to kick my butt. Tough as nails! At the same time she was a gentle spirit, thoughtful in every respect, and always had a kind word to say. She loved her family, friends, and life itself. It was a blessing to have known her. Eric Manchon

A Tribute to Connie Winiarz Delivered at Her Memorial Service November 7, 2008 Connie, Mike, and Kristian began attending services at Christ Community Church around the same time as we did. Our families had a lot in common—our faith backgrounds, our longing for true fellowship and inclusion in a church community, and our desire for meaningful spiritual growth. I remember inviting Mike and Connie to join a spiritual transformation small group that Yvette and I had volunteered to lead. It was through the small group as well as through Alpha that I began to learn more about who Connie was and what she stood for. Mike told me one time that Connie loved board games, in particular Scrabble. Connie had a great intellect, which is probably why we got along well. So, one week we decided to have a game night instead of doing our regular Bible study. And, of course, we broke out our Scrabble game. I’ll never forget the incredulous look on Connie’s face when a few minutes into the game, my daughter, Mary, and I broke out The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary. You see, true Scrabble aficionados do not use a dictionary. Well, Connie got over it and we had a good laugh and a grand old time playing a game she loved. In honor of Connie, I thought I would share a few good Scrabble words with you that I think describe well her life here on Earth. Inquisitive Connie loved to ask questions and to challenge the status quo, especially when she was confronted at times by the rigidity and inflexibility of religion. Like me, Connie had a passion for reconciling the Laws of God with the laws of science; the Creator of the Universe with the created. On one hand, God is a God of order, just like the Laws of Thermodynamics. On the other hand, God is a God of power, transformation, and chaos, as we see in the Laws of Chemistry and Physics. But the Word of God tells us in 1st Timothy 3:16: Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He[a] appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. Zest Connie had a zest for life and for learning; a thirst for knowledge and understanding and truth. She loved parties and travel. I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. Intimacy Love is the true friend of intimacy. Connie had a love for Mike and Kristian that rose above all else. I know she longed for this same intimacy with her Lord and her church community. John 15:4 tells us Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. You see, this is the great mystery of the incarnation—that by God choosing us as His favorite dwelling place, He invites us to choose Him to be our favorite dwelling place. Fecundity (which has to be my personal favorite) Not a household word, fecundity means fruitfulness. Matthew 7:20 tells us Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Connie bore much fruit in her career as a nurse and in her home life. Mike and Kristian are living testimonies to her fruitfulness. Paul tells us in Galatians that … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When I remember Connie, I think of her kindness and goodness. Unity And last, but not least, unity. When I read my daily devotion today, I immediately thought of Mike and Connie. The topic was unity as expressed beautifully in Phillipians 1:27 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. I believe that today’s service and Mass are a testimony to the Christian unity that I know is so important to Mike. Rest in peace, Connie.

MY FAVORITE MEMORIES OF CONNIE My first memory of Connie was meeting her at Pike Creek Christian School. Kristian was in Katie’s class and I would think – who is this funny mom who wears slippers to school. She was an honest, tell-it-like-it-is woman. You knew exactly where she stood and how she felt. I wish we could all be like that. Planning the PCCS Field Days together with Susie, Debbie and Jeanne. We made quite a team and put on the best Field Days ever. Laughing at our “Mom’s” lunches. Seeing her at Skyline Pool. I think I even saw her wear her slippers to the pool when she was working on swim team stuff. She was too funny. Hearing her talk about Kris, her OBVIOUS pride and joy. Nothing was more important to Connie than her family, especially Kris. Playing tennis. I had such a great time playing with her this summer. You could tell she just loved to play. She was so beautiful, inside and out. She had a wonderful heart, a beautiful smile and great hair (I was so jealous of her awesome hair). She is the most generous person I know. She has given the gift of life to families that will be grateful forever. They will never forget Connie. She was a great friend to all of us that were lucky enough to know her. She has taught me to appreciate every day because our lives can change in an instant. I will think of her always and she will never leave my heart. God will bless you and your family and take care of you forever. We are all here for you. You have many friends that love you and will be there for you always. Love, Meg Kempski

I have a lot of Connie stories so it's hard to pick just one. When we were kids, I always thought she was so grown up and cool. She was never afraid to express her own personal style. People wearing slippers at her memorial were just a testament to her coolness. While I have my regrets with our relationship, what saddens me is the fact that our daughter will not get to hang out with her. Connie would have been the coolest aunt bar none. I am trying to be grateful that we had her as long as we did. She also set the bar pretty high for motherhood, leaving some huge slippers to aspire to. She was an extraordinary human being. There are few people who really understand how to live and she was one of them. Her footprint is far more than carbon as measured by those who loved and admired her. We'll make sure our baby, Claire knows about Aunt Connie. I miss you, I love you, and I'm so proud to call you my sister. Barb

While helping Kristian prepare for Connie’s service I was surprised at unlikely source of pain—in looking for a tie I opened the door to Connie’s closet and the tears started. It felt like entering a shrine – here were all the fun, flashy, gorgeous pieces Connie had amassed over the years—each a treasure. Connie and my friendship began over clothes—both gawky insecure 9th graders, we spent countless hours after school window-shopping in Center City – wandering through Wanamakers and the Gallery : the conversation veering from the deeply philosophical (what does it mean to be a Catholic?) to the profoundly important (“Does this make my butt look big?”). Although we were alike in many ways, there was one very interesting difference between Connie and I – when I shopped for clothes I was trying on personas- I thought if I found the right outfit I would become what it represented – a wealthy prep, a worldly sophisticate, a gentle romantic or a sexy ingénue- that by perfecting the “uniform” I would be included in the relevant clique . But Connie selected clothes simply because they delighted her – she was drawn to comfort, whimsy and drama. Connie remained true to that fashion free spirit; when she accompanied me to my oncologist she wore a cheerful, colorful combination the likes of which will probably never be featured on the pages of Vogue --and I, still obsessed with dressing to the right image, wore a perfectly matched black and white ensemble—but of course who was the ridiculous one – here I was, 2 weeks post-mastectomy, discussing my life-threatening illness and a course of treatment which would wreck havoc on my family-- and I was concerned about hem-length!! – of course I should have been like Connie and picked out pieces that gave me joy and made me feel light-hearted and pretty. I don’t mean to make light of a life that was one of intellectual rigor, spirituality and practical competency. I just wish I could be more like Connie – wear orange because it’s sunny, wear a cashmere sweater just because it’s soft and warm and makes me feel loved, and wear yellow chicken slippers to the Acme because they make me smile.

I know that Connie must have been an amazing woman. The testimonies and stories that I heard at the service were inspirational to me. The love she poured into her husband and son and family and friends was impactful on so many lives. It seemed the amount of love she had to give knew no bounds! May God bless the special ones she left behind. Kristian and Mike, you are so blessed to have the legacy of her love and her spirit of living life!

Connie and Kris came out to Skate Camp a few years ago. Kris was a camper for the week and Connie was the volunteer Nurse. She could see that we had a great camp that was run on a shoestring budget and lot of love. Half of our medications in the infirmary were expired and the coffee that our staff was fueled by wasn't very good. At the end of the week she came to me with a whole list she had compiled of companies we should contact about donations for medical supplies etc. Well summer ended and I got back to my busy life and didn't follow up with this. A few months later we received several boxes of gourmet coffee donated to Skate Camp by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters thanks to Connie. For the first time ever we had good coffee at skate camp all summer long! That was awesome. Another funny thing about her was during campfire I could sometimes hear her laughing louder than the kids at our ridiculous skits. I'm glad to have met her.

Connie loved to dance, sing and be happy. She loved hip hop. I chose the song Low for her tribute because she sang it all the time. She even had her own words that mentions the 'cats with the fur'. If you know our cats Sydney and Tony you know what that means. Some of you that have called our house over the years and gotten the answering machine probably heard Connie singing the message based on Low, a Christmas song, a Beach Boys song or whatever song was on her mind.

It's unbelievable Connie is not with us. I won't forget all the moments we shared. She gave me so much strenght when I most needed. Gracias amiga! . When I think of her, her smile and joy are the first to come to my mind. She was so enthusiastic at speaking Spanish to me and my family. She was SO sensitive and understanding of other cultures. What an open mind and heart! I almost had the luck to travel with her to Spain for a month. But it was too long for her to leave her loved Mike and Kris. Sweet Connie, amiga, your memories will live for ever in my heart. Jamás te olvidaré!

I was blown away by the impact that Connie has had on the lives she touched. Seeing all of her long time friends and hearing their stories was inspiring. Thanks to all who attended the service to tell her life. It really helped me to see Connie! I know that her kindness and generosity will be paid forward indefinitely. May God bless all those who Connie touched and those who will be touched by Connie'e legacy. Christian, God gave your Mom an amazing spirit and that spirit will live on in you. Mike, your faith in Christ is inspiring and will bring you through this difficult time. YBIC Rick Rineer

It's just unbelievable Connie is not with us. I will never forget the strenght she gave me when I most needed. When I think of her her smile and joy are the first to come to my mind.She was always so cheerful... and so enthusiastic trying to speak Spanish with me and my family. She was so sensitive and understanding of other cultures. I almost had the chance to travel with Connie to Spain for a month.But It was too long for her to leave her loved husband and son without her. It would have been so much fun for both of us.You will be for ever in my heart sweet Connie. Jamás te olvidaré!

Loving Wife Mother & Interested Conversationalist

Thank God for all of our friends and family. You are all doing what Connie would have done. Through all of us, her legacy of love for community and selfless service will live on. God Bless all of you. May His peace be on you. I shared this reading at Connie's service. Kahlil Gibran on Love When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth. Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself. He threshes you to make you naked. He sifts you to free you from your husks. He grinds you to whiteness. He kneads you until you are pliant; And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast. All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart. But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God." And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.