Constance Sullivan

Connie Sullivan, 66, died of cancer on Sept. 30, 2015. She was born Nov. 1, 1948, in Sidney, to Donald and Virginia (Willis) Riek. She attended primary schools in Sidney, Fairview, Stanford and Billings; high schools in Hollywood, Reno and Las Vegas. Connie met the love of her life, Patrick Sullivan, in Seattle, Wash., in 1968, and they married six months later on June 21. She never missed an opportunity to brag about their love affair. They returned to Montana to raise two daughters, Terri and Cass. Connie was especially proud of coming of age in the '60s. She was a strong advocate of women's rights, believed in working hard to break the frame, and thoroughly enjoyed experiencing a little too much of everything. Connie dedicated her heart and muscle to the service industry and got a strange thrill out of long hours and hard work. She retired in 2011, and immediately got busy. She was never without a project. Her greatest passions were gardening and cooking. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; stepfather Richard Pesha; brother Monte Riek; parents-in-law Dr. Paul and Mary Sullivan; and son-in-law Jimmy Oblander. Connie is survived by her husband, Pat; daughters Terri and Cass; grandchildren Tony, Natalia, Holly, James and Delaney; great-grandchildren Ezekial and Imani; brothers and sisters-in-law Dr. Lawrence and Florence Sullivan, Dr. Wayne and Clare Hansen, Timothy and Diane Sullivan, Dennis Sullivan, Mick and Janna Sullivan and Joe Sullivan; 12 nieces and nephews and 25 great-nieces and nephews. Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Drs. Frank Michels and Marty Lucas, as well as Tracy Kukowski, Debbie Sheehy and Alex W. In lieu of flowers, Connie requested donations to St. Vincent de Paul or B.A.R.K. Cremation has taken place. Services for Connie will be at 2 p.m., Oct. 9 at the Shrine Auditorium with a celebration immediately following. Come as you are. Arrangements are in the care of the staff at Dahl Funeral Chapel.