Obituary of Connie Rose Christensen

Connie Rose Christensen Dundee: Connie Christensen, died of heart complications on Sunday, November 6th 2022 at the age of 69. Born on January 16th, 1953, Connie was the daughter of Delbert Levi Woodard Sr. and Jennie Margaret (Mattason) Woodard. After graduating from Dundee Central School in 1971, she followed in the footsteps of her sisters Betty and Liz to pursue an education and career in nursing. Her prolific nursing career spanned over 40 years, during which she dedicated herself to the needs of the Finger Lakes community where she was born and raised. After receiving her Associates in Applied Science degree from Corning Community College in 1975, she began her decades-long devotion to the wellbeing of others as a Registered Nurse at Soldiers and Sailors (S&S) Memorial Hospital. During her twenty-plus years at S&S, she held positions that required a tactful blend of both poise and professionalism while managing the intensive care unit, triaging patients in the emergency room, or serving as the supervisor for the entire hospital. Connie was a driven woman who pursued advanced education while continuing to work as a registered nurse and raise four children. She would receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Elmira College in 1994 and her Master's degree from Binghamton University in 1997. She transitioned from acute care to focus on family medicine, working as a Nurse Practitioner with family healthcare practices until her retirement. Connie became a healthcare fixture within the Finger Lakes community. She touched many lives over the course of her career and throughout her life. Connie's devotion to her career and craft as a healthcare professional was only outmatched by her devotion to her family. Connie always put the needs of her family before her own. She and Carl Christensen raised four children in Dundee, New York. As a loving and supportive mother, she did anything to ensure that her children wanted for nothing. Her grandchildren were a sustaining source of joy in her life and she doted on each of them with unbounded love. Connie selflessly opened her home to others – friends and family were always welcomed with an open door and a caring heart. Connie was pre-deceased by her parents Delbert and Jennie, brother Donald Woodard, sister Beverly "Betty" Cornish, brother-in-law Donald Cornish, sister Elizabeth "Liz" Howell, brother-in-law Leslie "Les" Howell, and son Peter Christensen. She is survived by three children, Jennie (Eric) Bell, Mary Christensen (Jeremy Young), Eric (Laura) Christensen; seven grandchildren: David, Allie and Leah Young, Bronwyn and Elizabeth Race, Mercede and Lauren Bell, brother Delbert (Dorine) Woodard Jr., brother Daniel (Rose) Woodard, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends Donna Neal, Ronna Smith, Barb Stone, Patsy Ballard, Janine and Gavin Brink, and countless other friends and colleagues. Friends & Family are invited to calling hours from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, November 18, 2022 at the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee; where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, November 19th, followed by a celebration of life at the Dundee American Legion. Online condolences can be sent and details can be found at www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com. The family intends to establish a nursing scholarship in honor of Connie.