December 2, 1948 - November 19, 2024
Constance J. "Connie" Yeagle, 75, of Bloomington, passed away on November 19, 2024, after a long life of service to others.
Connie was born on December 2, 1948, in Bloomington to John C. and Josephine (Arbuckle) Daly. She graduated from Holy Trinity High School and Illinois State University. On December 26, 1970, Connie married Gary M. Yeagle. During their 54 years of marriage, they had six children: Chris Yeagle, Maggie (Joe) Chmiel, Greg (Jessica) Yeagle, Julie Yeagle, Jeff (Katie) Yeagle, and Michael (James) Yeagle.
Connie was a devout Catholic whose faith guided all of her decisions. In her final entry into her Gratitude Journal, she wrote: "It isn't about drawing into ourselves. It's about giving yourself away. When you receive someone in love and expect nothing in return, you will become someone new. Jesus says 'Yes, now give yourself away.'" Connie abided by these words throughout her life.
In her family life, Connie gave all of herself to her six children. In addition to the tedious tasks of motherhood, such as preparing an estimated 7500 dinners for her large brood, she read books to her children every night, checked their homework, insured they had the most meticulously-executed school projects, and handmade items such candy, clothing, and toys for the holidays. She showed the same level of love and devotion to her grandchildren.
Professionally, Connie gave generously to her students. She spent most of her career in adult education, teaching students how to read and prepare for the GED test. She supported her students both in and out the classroom, often babysitting for her student's children and mentoring them after they obtained their GEDs. For her efforts, she won the Arthur J. Stejskal Memorial Teacher of
the Year award in 1997.
Personally, Connie gave freely to her friends and strangers alike. She had multiple groups of close friends composed of classmates, coworkers, members of her prayer group, and members of her Craft Group. She also volunteered extensively for organizations such as Cursillo, Walk-for-Mankind, and Birthright. Upon retirement, she devoted herself to the Midwest Food Bank and Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen.
In addition to her generosity, Connie was well known as an excellent dancer, pianist, and seamstress. She was also legendary for her ravenous appetite for books and was recently recognized by the Lexington Public Library for winning the summer reading contest.
When Connie was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2022, the kindness she had shown to others came back to her tenfold. Friends and extended family provided constant companionship, kept her refrigerator stocked with food she could eat, took her to medical appointments, and protected her with prayer. Her Craft Group and local cousins were especially invaluable and provided steadfast support.
Connie leaves behind one brother, John (Sandy) Daly, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Ben, Madeline, Ian, Olivia, Max, Joelle and Leo; and a long list of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents and one sister, Kathleen Rogers.
Her memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Merna, Bloomington with Rev. Dustin Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, December 1, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Midwest Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, or your favorite charity. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
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