Constance "Connie"'s Obituary
Constance Louise Becker, passed away in the early morning hours, on Friday October 7, 2022. She was 68 years old. Most people knew and will remember her, as Connie.
She was born in Great Falls, Montana to Andrew and Dona (Duncan) Nolevanko, on December 18, 1953. She grew up here, attending Lewis and Clark Elementary and graduating from GF High School in 1972. She attended the University of Montana for 2 semesters before coming back to Great Falls to work as a Dietary Aide, at the then Columbus Hospital.
On May 1, 1976, she married Bruce Becker. They then moved to Arlington, Virginia where Bruce was stationed at the Pentagon with the US Army. Just prior to Bruce’s end of duty, they welcomed their first child, Kari Lane, in August of 1977. March Brook (1981) and Andrew Lawrence (1982) joined the family in the next few years. After Bruce’s service they had moved back to Great Falls and had made it their home since.
Connie had a passion for many things. Flowers, gardening, family gatherings, cooking, crafts, birds and bird watching, camping, cookouts, nature walks and Glacier Park Annual trips and Fall, as she loved to watch the seasons change and all the colors associated with it. She loved her animals, including her cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, goats, and sheep. Her current 2 dogs, her protectors, Dundee and Quigley (Mini-Australian Shepherds) were her favorites. She was an active leader in Pets “R” Us 4H Club. She would judge rabbit shows at local fairs. After the kids grew up, she stepped down from 4H, but still had her animals.
She started to work at Petco and was the Small Animal Specialist. Connie worked at this job until Bruce retired from UPS in 2006. In January 2007, she decided to join her daughter Kari in the floral shop, first at Electric City Conservatory and then at Kari’s shop, My Viola Floral Studio. Connie started doing needlepoint felting of small animals, and Lulu Baby Creations was created. She made all sorts of animals for so many people and was doing it all the time. She would put so much thought and detail into all the items she made, She was a true artist.
She is survived by her husband, Bruce; daughters, Kari Lane (Garrett) Johnson and March Brook (Chris) Steiger of Great Falls; son, Andrew Lawrence (Claudia) Becker of Georgetown, Texas; brothers, Michael of Buhl, Idaho, Paul (Polly), and Steven (Nancy) Nolevanko of Great Falls; grandchildren, Thorn Elan and Griffin Basil Becker of Great Falls and Kamilah Becker and Dylan Marsicek of Georgetown, Texas. Of all things, Connie Loved her grandchildren the most.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-law parents, Lawrence and Mary Becker; sisters-in-law, Linda and Patracia Nolevanko and Peggy and Angelita Becker; brothers-in-law, Larry, Stephen, and David; and niece, Elizabeth Becker.
As per her request, cremation has taken place. A Family and Friend Gathering will be held at the Schnider Funeral Home Hospitality Room, 1510 13th Street South, on Tuesday October 11, 2022, at 2:00 PM.
Guests are welcome to bring any mementos that remind us of Connie. She will be missed by all as she was loved by many.
Rest in Peace Lulu.
