One of Our Teachers, Constance “Connie” Jeanne Volk (Hackett), Age 85, passed away suddenly on April 14, 2009. Beloved wife of Herman “Hank” F. Volk of Overland Park, Kansas. Born September 26, 1923 in Hudson, Michigan, Connie was the oldest daughter of the late John W. and Dorothy L. Hackett. A graduate of Jackson, MI High School, Jackson Community College, the University of Michigan (B.A., 1946) and the University of Kansas (M.S.-Ed., 1976). Teacher, educator and devoted mother to 6 children and beloved grandmother to 12 grandchildren, Connie was vibrant, active and a friend to many.

A standout drama student in high school, Connie helped fight World War II on the home front while pursuing her college education. Post war, she taught high school English in New Jersey, began work on her Master’s degree at Columbia University and was active at the International House, a prominent New York City residence for college students and young adults from abroad. With a minor in Spanish, Connie spent considerable time in Havana, Cuba. In the spring of 1949, at a dance hosted by the International House, she accepted the invitation to dance with a dashing young man of German extraction and American birth, leading in turn to a lifelong love affair with Hank. They married on August 18, 1951 in Jackson, MI and on New Year’s Eve 1952, Connie began a new career as mother to the first of her six children. Over the ensuing 9 years and after many moves to various locations in the Midwest, Connie and Hank settled in Overland Park, KS in 1961.

In 1968, Connie resumed teaching, first as a substitute and homebound teacher, then as a full time high school English teacher beginning in January, 1973 at Shawnee Mission South (SMS) High School from which all 6 of her children graduated. She enjoyed teaching with humor while challenging her students’ abilities. Recognized by her peers as a leader and mentor she went on to become the Language Arts Department Chair. Connie continued to be active in the “Perennials,” an association of former SMS teachers, following retirement in 1987. Thereafter, Connie enjoyed traveling extensively; with frequent trips to visit children and grandchildren and excursions abroad to over 20 countries including a trip to Australia and China with her daughter Beth’s family.

Connie and Hank were founding members of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church as well as members of  The Sunshine Club and other ministries. Connie's other activities included the Pinehurst Garden Club, attending garage and estate sales, and a women's investment club. With Hank she also was active in a contract bridge club and KIS ("Keep-It-Simple" - a dinner club). In late 2007 Connie and Hank became "pioneer members" of the Tallgrass Creek community, where she served as the director of the Tallgrass Creek Theater Guild and on the Events Committee.

In addition to Hank, Connie is survived by 6 children: John (Kim), Dietrich (Laurie), Richard (Becky), Elizabeth, Virginia and Eric (Becky). Other survivors include 12 grandchildren, 3 sisters, her sister-in-law and one time roommate, Ursula Solmsen of Canada; and beloved friends of 48 years, Jim and Marlene Graham and a host of many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 17, at Holy Cross Catholic Church 8311 W. 93 st. Overland Park, KS. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at the Porter Funeral Home 8535 Monrovia Lenexa, KS. Family suggests memorial contributions to Holy Cross Catholic Church, Tallgrass Creek Benevolent Fund, or charity of choice. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 438-6444)