Connie's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Connie Winney. Our loving wife and mother passed away on December 7, 2023, at the age of 59 years old from Covid-related complications. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by those dearest to her, although tragic and much too soon.
Born on March 5, 1964, Connie was born in Bamberg, Germany to Inge and Martin “Marty” Sorensen. Marty was in the U.S. military, and in 1969 relocated his family to California. Connie started kindergarten in San Jose without knowing an ounce of English. In 1971, her sister, Janet (Hernandez), was born. Janet always idolized her big sister and looked up to her in many ways. Although the age difference at times was difficult, Connie never failed to give Janet any “big sis/little sis” treatment. Inge remarried to Wilfred “Bill” Harman in 1973. She gained four stepsiblings, Darmay, David, Bonnie, and Debbie, in addition to another half-sibling from her father, Myles. Connie attended Andrew Hill High School and participated in color guard and the swim team. She was often found listening to music, getting caught sneaking out of the house, and loved to go camping, water skiing, and swimming.
Connie married and shortly after had her son, Christopher Stein, in 1982. She later had her daughter Nichole Stein in 1985. They then moved to Modesto in 1987 when the entire Harman/Stein family relocated. Connie and her children moved to Montana in 1992. She met the love of her life Daniel and began dating in 2001 and finally got married in 2013 when she gained her stepdaughter, Julia.
Connie earned her associate degree from Montana State University - Great Falls in 2010. She has worked at Columbus West Campus (later Benefis), Great Falls Surgery Center, The Rainbow, Cascade County, and recently with the State of Montana’s Probation & Parole. She loved her role with the State!
Connie had a passion for many things. She loved coffee, Mickey Mouse, gnomes (even starting her own business making them), going on road trips, attending concerts, and spending time with her family and her dogs. Most recently, Connie and Dan had taken to paddleboarding and had several adventures of just the two of them on the water. She even became a legal citizen earlier this year in January, something her mother surely would have been proud of.
Throughout her life, Connie touched the hearts of many people. She used her humor and wit to say what she meant with conviction and never apologizing for how she felt. She was a loving mother, adoring wife, amazing Nani, and auntie and great Aunt, always putting her family at the forefront. Connie will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of sharing her journey.
Connie was preceded in death by her fur-baby, Tucker; mother, Inge; stepdad Wilfred “Bill;” and stepsister, Darmay. She is survived by her father, Marty Sorensen (Charlene); husband, Dan; children, Chris, and Nicky; stepdaughter, Julia; grandsons, Draven and Ashton; sister, Janet; niece, Melissa (Ryan Giard); nephew, Joshua (Jamie); and great-niece and nephews, (Jolie, Bodie, and Colt). She is also survived by David (Debbi) Harman, Bonnie (Hammer), Debbie (Johnstone), Myles (Kristy) Sorensen, and their extended families. She is remembered by countless friends and colleagues who will miss her dearly.
The memorial service to celebrate Connie's life will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel with a celebration of life to follow immediately at the Flamingo Bar. Friends and family are invited to join and share their memories of a life well-lived. Food is welcomed.
May Connie rest in peace, and may her memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
"Your wings were ready, but my heart was not.”
“I wish God didn’t need you in heaven because I need you here.”
