Constance Ann Sundell

Constance Ann Marie Kush Sundell,

We would like to share a bit about our mother.

Connie’s strong faith was nurtured by her family, her mother Louise Kush and grandmother Beulah Malaloe Sagstetter. It started in her younger years attending Catholic schools, then in marriage, in raising her family, resulting in her 28 year career serving the children and staff at St. Margaret Mary's School.

She felt the value of relationships as a reflection of the divine. It was especially important for mom to ensure her children had a strong foundation in faith by making sure they had Jesus in their lives. In 1959 she married the love of her life Bob, Boom Boom Sundell and they remain married for 64 years. 

She entered into a world she had never known or experienced before. She developed her sense of adventure that encompassed the great outdoors. For decades, she and dad took our family on many camping trips where there was hiking, swimming, fishing (Walleye and Trout) camp fires, singing and being at peace. Her cherished friendships were a big part of her adventurous spirit. Many of her lady trips were spent camping where she enjoyed friendships with Peggy, Pat, Nancy, Clair, Rosalyn, Joyce, and Lyla. Tales have been told that they were known to terrorize small children on the beach when kids came too close to their sand castles.

Mom's discipline in her faith brought out her love for others through the value of relationships as a reflection of the divine. I vividly remember mom coming home from church in tears of joy because at that moment for the first time, she KNEW with depth and clarity, that Jesus loved her, and slowly, tearfully reiterated JESUS LOVES ME.

Connie overcame many obstacles in life through her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Connie was a pioneer in forging new traditions for music in the Catholic Church when she was allowed to be on the altar at St. James with her 12-string guitar and gifted voice. Music was an integral part of Connie’s life. This love of music was passed on from her mother, than to her own children. She learned to play the guitar, played the piano and sang, she even won a national achievement award for her talent in piano. She invented the art of harmony with her family and friends both in a peaceful balance and through song.

Mom was a lover of all animals. Our St. Margaret Mary’s family can recall Clyde, the tarantula who was both terrifying and fascinating. We had alligators, dogs, cats, fish and a variety of rodents as well. Mom's biggest love was for lions. She marveled at their power and majesty. Hosea 11:10 comes to mind and reads “They will follow the lord, he will roar like a lion, and when he roars, his children will come trembling from the West.

She loved fast cars with glass packs, riding on the back of motorcycles with her late sons-in-law, Jeff White and Chuck Ferrin. She had a wish to drive a semi, and as a surprise, we made her wish come true. She taught herself how to swim and dive off of the board and learned to jump at the age of 50 for the first time in her life.

Growing up our house was the safe house. She and dad entertained many family and friends over the years with parties, intimate gatherings and even wild game dinners. Again, mom's love of children ended up being her career…..and most favorite job at St Margaret Mary’s…..caring for others.

On her 50th birthday, she found out about her surprise party so she secretly dressed up like an old woman, complete with wrinkles, make-up, sagging nylons and cherry drop earrings. Even her father in law did not recognize her. 

Mom and dad practiced supporting those who were less fortunate. They donated their time by volunteering, monetarily supported care for the homeless, women of domestic abuse and underprivileged children.

What we want you to leave with today is knowing when we think of our mother, we remember her love. We remember her grace. We remember her joy. We remember her caring and forgiving nature. We remember her selflessness and we will be forever grateful. We will always remember her with thanks for the lessons she taught us in life, and will miss all those

moments forever.

In closing, we leave you with one of mom's favorite psalms:

Psalm 139

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him! So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever, though He brings grief, He also shows compassion because of the greatness of His unfailing love.'

Constance Sundell was called home to Jesus on June 26, 2023 living to be 83 years old. 

She was born Constance Ann Marie Kush in Colorado Springs on July 24th, 1939 to Edwin and Lois Kush. 

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert Sundell and children Mark, Debbie, Lori, Linda and Katy. 

Connie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was devoted to her faith, Jesus at her core. Her passions included travel, music and being present with all of the amazing people who share her life.

Services will be held on Wednesday, June 28th at  St Margaret Mary Catholic Church at 12:20 pm starting with a Rosary and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM.

Interment immediately following at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials to St. Margaret Mary’s, Sienna Francis House, and Catholic Charites.

TO VIEW THE SERVICES ONLINE GO TO: https://heartstreaming.link/constance-ann-sundell

John A. Gentleman Mortuaries and Crematory

1010 North 72 St. 

Omaha, NE. 68114

402-391-1664

www.johnagentleman.com