Mary Constance Tucker

Mary Constance “Connie” Tucker, ED.D. (Connie), 81, passed away November 12, 2014. Connie was born June 28, 1933 in Quincy, the daughter of Clara Rupple Bingaman and Ira Wellington Bingaman, D.Div. and Phd. (Philosophy.) Connie received a Bachelor of Arts at Carthage College, a Master’s degree in Counseling at Northern Illinois University and a Doctorate (Ed.D) in counseling at East Coast University in Florida. She had a long and influential career in the Rockford community, which spanned from teaching positions at Lincoln Park, Roosevelt and Wilson Jr. High schools, serving as a counselor at Wilson Jr. High School to principalships at Dennis, Lathrop and Washington schools. Connie was chosen to be the coordinator of magnet and alternative programs at the request of Superintendent Art Johnson. She retired as an administrator from District 205 in 1993, but worked diligently for the Gifted Department with the implementation of testing. This dedicated educator was also instrumental in the coordination of the Young Authors Program throughout District 205 elementary schools.

Connie remained active in the world of education by supervising student teachers for Illinois State University and teaching Curriculum and Instruction at the graduate level with her friend, Esther Dolan.

Connie was considered a mover and shaker in the Rockford community. She served on many committees to improve and transform Rockford. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Past President of the Booker Washington Board, N.W. Community Center, Heritage Kiwanis and Past President of the Tinker Swiss Cottage Board. She served each board with conviction, a fearless quality of proclaiming what was just and a sensitive understanding of the populations she represented.

Connie enjoyed traveling, book clubs, cruising, attending theaters and the Rockford Symphony and spending time with her friends. She loved children and marveled at their processes of discovery and wonder.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Aaron Bingamann (Genevieve), William Bingamann (Charolette), Abraham Lincoln Bingamann (Jessie) John Bingamann (Mary), Clara Bingaman Schneider (Henry) Dorcas Bingamann Wilson (Robert), Paul Bingamann (Penny) and James Bingamann (Velma.) She also leaves behind a host of friends who thought of her as a mother, friend, sister and soulmate. She is survived by her niece, Ruth Adams of Riverside, CA. Connie is also survived by those who played a significant role in her life. She loved them all and they know who they are.

Arrangements are being made by Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. As Connie requested, there will be no visitation or funeral. As a living legacy, she created the Dr. Connie Tucker Scholarship Fund. Donations may be made as a memorial to that fund.

As a tribute to Connie and the establishment of the Dr. M. Constance Tucker Educational Scholarship Fund, there will be a reception for Connie’s friends at the University Club on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from two to five in the afternoon hosted by Pamela and Tom Laughlin and the families of Nate, Nick and Noah Meyer.