Connie Sue Havens Warren, age 61, passed unexpectedly March 28, 2015, after attending a family celebration. Connie was born on September 24, 1953 in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was the second daughter born to Dorothy and Jack Havens.
Connie was raised in Helena, MT, from age four to the time of her graduation from Helena High School, followed by her marriage at age 18 to Robert Warren. At that time she moved to Montana City and she and Robert lived there more than 43 years until her untimely passing. She enjoyed the mountains, wildlife, scenery, and especially the changing colors of the fall season.
Connie enjoyed working with naturally occurring elements to create beautiful, unique pieces that brought joy to others. As a young woman she worked at Cooney nursing home as a nursing assistant until she found her true desire for arranging flowers at Knox Flower Shop. She spent the last fourteen years doing what brought her the greatest joy; providing memorable pieces for weddings, graduations and other special events with Leslie’s Hallmark, for whom she loved dearly.
Her family enjoyed her endless giving spirit and willingness to arrange Christmas in August. She was enthusiastic about life and the small beauties brought to isolated moments. Connie was a very private person. If one was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of her dry wit or engaging smile the world became a brighter place as a result of her touch.
She enjoyed attending classes for updating her skills as a floral designer. While never a joiner, Connie marched to a drum others never heard. She loved Mardi Gras in Louisiana, where a side of Connie that people seldom saw emerged. Connie loved the Boston Celtics. Many dogs enjoyed Connie’s commitment to their care and well-being through the years.
Connie’s most recent love of life was the joy she received spending time with her only son Bobby Warren, his wife Sherry Smith and their sons Andrew and Brandon. Connie shared her love of reading and gardening with her son and grandsons.
Connie is survived by older sister Pam Havens, younger sister Debbie Havens and younger brother Sam Havens and his wife Kathleen. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and her dog Shredder.
She was preceded in death by mother and father-in-law Edith and Gilbert Warren and maternal and paternal grandparents.
Connie loved flowers very much. The family is requesting that guests of the service bring either a flower in her honor or a package of seeds to allow her love of flowers to bloom this spring.
A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Center
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday April 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Center
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Share
Ronda Davis says
Bob & family…..so sorry to hear of your loss.. Thinking of you…
sharlene stav says
To all of connie’s family, I have never known a sweeter person. She was always a friend to me and I Will miss her. I admired her talent and her enthusiasm for nature. I’m sure she is getting heaven beautiful. Love to you all. Shar
Sandy Smith says
Connie – you were a wonderful friend to Dara, Jared and me. We will greatly miss you! Hallmark will Not be the same without you.
Jana Gruber says
So sorry to hear this news ! I will pray for the family! Connie was a very kind, sweet gentle women! She will be greatly missed !
Jim & Cindy Stevick says
Bob and family, we are so sad to learn this! Connie was such a wonderful and kind person, and I always enjoyed being able to visit with her. Her voice spoke with a touch of gentle caring and I will always remember her sincerity. I admired her beautiful talent with flowers and each time I see an arrangement of flowers, I will think of her… no matter what season, she put her smile on every thing she created. She has left our neighborhood way too soon! We send you our condolences and sincere sympathy. May you find strength at this difficult time. Connie will be greatly missed!
Julie Massaro says
To Connie’s family…I was so shocked and saddened by the news of Connie’s passing. She has been such a dear friend for the past several years. Seeing her at Leslie’s was always a highlight of my trip(s)! She was so kind, thoughtful, caring, loving…I could go on and on! Such a gentle soul. She always asked about my family and genuinely cared for everyone. I will miss her tremendously and pray that you all find some peace. I bet the gardens of Heaven are even more beautiful with her there! To the Leslie’s Hallmark Family….you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know Connie was more FAMILY to most of you than just a co-worker. My love to you all.
Chris Kartevold Phillips says
Dear Bob and family,
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Connie worked for my parents at Knox Flowers for many years and I continued to order flowers from her at Leslie’s for “Sweetie Petie” (as she called my Grandma) and “Scumbucket” (as she called my dad) over the years. I always enjoyed catching up with her and hearing about her beloved grandsons. She was a very special lady who made the most beautiful flowers and spread so much love. She will be truly missed by my family. Our sincerest condolences to you all. With much love and sympathy.
Jane Evanson says
To Connies Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will miss working with her. She had an amazing heart and was always putting everybody elses needs before herself. When I first started working with her, I once asked her if she got sad when she did flowers for people that had passed. She said this was the most beautiful last thing I could do for this person. She had an amazing attitude and was always up lifting to everyone. She will truly be missed, but always in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Sharon Michel says
To Bob and family, I was so shocked to read it in the paper about Connie, my prayers are with you all. I started working with Connie at the old Cooney Home. She was so kind and sweet to everyone there. I am really gonna miss her saying, “You Ole Bag” every time I saw her. I remember one time when I was sick she went and bought me the new Stephen King book “The Eyes of The Dragon” , this was in 1987, I told her she didn’t need to do that and she said “you ole bag, you need something to read while you are home sick”. I still have that book. Connie I am really gonna miss you. Keep those flowers growing up there in Gods country.
Darla Flansaas says
Connies family. I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Connie was an amazing person, always had a smile and kind words. Not only did I know Connie, but she was very good pals with my mom when she worked at the Cooney Home. Mom used to tell me funny stories about their times working together there. Her smile and kindness will be missed by everyone, not to say her talent as a florist will also be missed. Keep your great memories close to your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Wendy Tonkovich says
My sincere condolences go out to Connie’s family and friends. I only knew Connie from Leslies and she was amazingly talented and absolutely wonderful to work with. Connie had a fun, up-lifting side that included a friendly smile and the willingness to help in any way. I will miss her………….May many-many happy memories help you all through the days ahead. God Bless………
Janet Dack (Vickers) says
Bob and family, Jason just told me about your Mom, I am heartbroken and shocked. I loved Connie, she was the best floral designer I have ever seen, she taught me a lot of things. I feel blessed to have been able to get to work with her here and there. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Deb Kiely says
Our family was so sorry to hear about your loss. Connie helped us with a family event on March 17th. She was so lovely and kind to our family and mother everytime we visisted her at Leslie’s Hallmark. Her arrangements brought a lot of joy. Our thoughts are with you.
Laurie Neils says
What a joy it was to walk into Leslie’s Hallmark and hear Connie’s voice or laugh. I never walked out of there without a smile on my face–because of Connie. I will miss her friendship, her creative and beautiful flower arrangements, and her smile and warmth. I suppose this means that Shredder won’t be running for President now.
Leon Shaffer says
Bob, please know that everybody in Butte is thinking about you and your family during this difficult time.
Jeff & Elaine Applin says
Bob and Family, We are so sorry to here about your loss of Connie. We pray for your comfort during this difficult time.
Staci & Chance Ferlicka says
Bob, Sherry & kids,
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Staci & Chance
Jay Fifield says
Bob-I’m sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are on you & your family.
Christi Deschamps says
Connie was like a second mom to me. She taught me SO much about being a florist, more than just design. She had such a passion, it was almost like magic that her arrangements came together. And each and every one was like it was for someone special. You couldn’t ask for a better, more patient teacher. Connie cared about my family and myself line we were her own, she adored my granddaughter, and always showed a continuing and sincere interest in my kid’s lives. Many times I jokingly and lovingly, called her Mom. My heart breaks for Debbie, Pam, Sam, Bob, Bobby, Sherry, Andrew, Brandon, and Shredder, Connie’s parents and the rest of her family. Hallmark will be forever changed with the absence of this wonderful woman, and I will miss her every time I walk by the flower counter, every time the phone rings, every time I get a cup of coffee. See you in the spring, Connie Sue. ♡
Jerry Crum says
well my dear cousin so sorry to here of your passing and you were so young till we meet again Gerald W Crum Jr
Christy Gore Berg says
A lot of years have passed since our families have been in touch. I was so saddened to read of Connie’s passing. My family have all died. My Sister, Vinnie Mary, died at the same age as Connie in 2007.
The beautiful words of the obituary tell the story of a wonderful person who touched many lives through the beauty of flowers. What a lovely legacy!
Each one of you are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve her loss.
Love, Christy
Rene O'Reilly says
Connie and I used to hide and play around the brushy hillside close to the Orange St. house when we were in grade school…even then, she loved the organic feel of the brush and flowers. I am so glad she finally listened to her heart and became the artist she was meant to be in creating her amazing floral arrangements. The world has truly lost a beautiful soul and I am deeply saddened to not be able to share stories with her anymore. Heaven must have needed a truly gifted artist to make it more beautiful…take care of each other and know that Connie was a gift to us all.
Keith and Gail Hatch says
Keith and I were saddened to hear of Connie’s passing. I met Connie at the flower shop, Kieth would talk about this crazy kind lady!!! Thru the years as we got to know both her and Bob, they helped us when we were building our house…She was a real card and so caring. Keith said he just talked to her a couple of weeks ago when he ordered some flowers. We still have the VHS tape from when Keith surprised her with a coffee table he made for her!!!! She jumped up and down and said “OH MY GOD” at least a thousand times, then broke into tears!!! What a wonderful person she was!!! She will be sorely missied in this community with her warmth and her great talent. RIP Connie!!!
Julie Ward says
I have been going to the Hallmark Store in the Helena mall for well over 10 years, Connie made beautiful boutonnieres for all 4 of our sons Winter Formal’s, Prom’s, etc. The last arrangement she made for me was in January. I will truly miss her smile and her talent for flower arranging.
She knew me by name, was so friendly and kind to me always! I will miss her beyond measure!
We are so sorry for your loss.
Judy (Harris)Baker says
Connie and I had a lot of great laughs together in high school. She was so much fun to be around…always! I only saw her occasionally throughout the years between then and now but anytime I saw her she flashed that amazing smile at me. She always had time to chat no matter how busy – such a sweet lady. I’ll miss her. I can only imagine what a great loss her family must feel. May god give you peace.
Cindy Starke says
My deepest sympathy goes to Bob, Bobbie and families. I am so glad that Connie and my path crossed nearly 27 years ago. It was so great to work with her and teaching her about flower arrainging. She truely had a special talent with flowers. One that no other designer could compare to. I also appreciate that I got to know her whole family. I am going to miss her and only wish I would have taken even more time to spend with her after we stopped working together. She was my best friend and I hope she is surrounded by the flowers that she loved to work with. My heart goes out to all of her family.
Lisa Warren says
Her incredible design talent was but one facet of the rare gem that was Connie. She shared genuine joy for each and every persons accomplishments, no matter how great or small. She remembered everyone and always make people feel like they had just brightened her day when it was she who made every interaction so special. The concern she showed for all people was amazing and only outshined by her love of animals. No one could have wished for a better coworker, she always had a clever way to make each day fun. Thanks my dear friend for shining in the lives of me and my family these last 14 years.
Lisa Graveley-Larson says
Connie was a sweet soul who was so caring and giving. She will truly be missed. Connie designed the flowers for my daughter’s wedding as well as for many other occasions in our family. I will miss her caring personality.