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Constance Gaines Stottrup, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home in San Jose, California, at the age of 76, with her close friend and middle daughter by her side, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Born in Newton, Massachusetts, on August 17, 1948, Connie was the cherished daughter of Roderick Gaines and Joan (Closterhouse) Gaines. She graduated from Westbrook Junior College (now the University of New England) with an associate degree, embarking on a life filled with hard work, adventure, and, above all, love for her family.
Connie’s early years were spent serving tables and bartending at The Magic Pan. She later provided clerical support for her husband, Louis Stottrup, then for the County of Santa Clara, where she worked until her retirement. In her retirement, Connie found her greatest joy in caring for four of her six grandchildren.
After 28 years of marriage, Connie and Louis divorced, and she spent her final two and a half years with her companion, Ed Saxon. Together, they traveled and created cherished memories with family and friends.
Connie’s passions included hiking, gardening, dancing, music, and laughter, but nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family. She was adored by her three daughters: Faye Stottrup, Micall Carvalho, and Caitlin Adelhelm. Faye blessed her with two granddaughters, Ryan (age 6) and Tyler (age 4); Micall with two grandsons, Kane (age 10) and Takeo (age 8); and Caitlin with two grandsons, Graham (age 6) and Landon (age 2). Connie’s half sister, Sydney Starr, also survives her.
If you knew Connie, you knew a woman who embodied pure love and acceptance for all. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support touched the lives of everyone she met.
A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at Mountain Winery on June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in remembering her remarkable spirit.
Connie is deeply missed by all who knew her. She remains alive in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched, as her legacy continues through her family.
https://everloved.com/life-of/connie-stottrup/obituary/
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Cheryl Stover '68 (Claney)
Connie was best friends with my sister-in-law, Priscilla Fay Stover. We were both bridesmaids in her wedding. She was a year older than me at Westbrook I will always remember Connie's beautiful smile and sunny personality.
Cheryl Stover Claney
Jeffrey E. Fisher
I had some contact with Connie over the years. We had a phone conversation 8 or 9 years ago, where we chatted about our lives like a couple of teenagers. I always liked Connie very much. She and Carl Benedict and I walked together to high school quite often, as we were neighbors. I remember Carl and I waiting for her sunny self in front of her house, if she was later than us. Connie will be missed. A beautiful soul has been added to the Universe, which will help us all.