Connie was the eldest of three siblings. Her father Elmer made a career in the US Army so the family moved many times during her childhood. In 1961 Connie graduated from Warwick High School in Newport News, Virginia and then attended St. Olaf University. Later she transferred to Mankato State/Mayo Clinic and graduated with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1966. Connie met her future husband, Frank Brunjes, while visiting her parents for the holidays at Ft. Campbell, KY. They were married in August 1966 and settled in Peekskill, NY where they started their family.
In 1970, the family moved to Houston, TX and Connie decided to stay home to raise her three daughters. Connie fostered many interests and focused her energy in many ways. She was a talented gardener, seamstress, quilter, needlecrafter, and cook. She encouraged her daughters in their endeavors including swim team, ice skating, drill team, and horseback riding. The family moved to Cypress, TX in 1981 and suddenly the family grew to include 4 horses, 5 cats and a dog. Although Connie never claimed to be an animal person, she took very good care of the furry family members. Connie also started volunteering at Cy-Fair High School and eventually was hired to work in the counselor's office, helping many students with their college applications.
In 1996, Frank and Connie designed their dream home and moved to the Estates of Walden where they became active members in the Walden Community. Connie served as President of the Ladies Association of Walden in 2006-2007 and was Walden Woman of the Year in 2000-2001. Through LAW, Connie became involved with water aerobics and was later the instructor. Connie also renewed her interest in needlework and started a needlework group that became quite popular. During this time, Connie also renewed her interest in quilting and became known for making treasured baby quilts for her grandchildren, great nieces, nephews and friends.
Connie began to exhibit signs of memory loss and dementia in 2011. As her symptoms worsened, she was admitted to memory care in January 2015. Alzheimers is a terrible disease that stole her life a little bit each day.
Connie is predeceased by her husband, Frank Brunjes; her parents, Elmer and Ruth Buegler; her brother, David Buegler; and her sister, Jan Longfellow. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Avance, her husband Nick Avance and their children Victoria and Andrew Avance of Montgomery, TX; daughter, Laura Antonetti, her husband Dr. Robert Antonetti and their sons Robert and Stephen Antonetti of Colleyville, TX; and daughter, Ellen Brunjes Brandt, her husband Russell Brandt and their daughters Anona and Savina Brandt of Austin, TX; and many nieces and nephews.
A small service and interment will be held at the Houston National Cemetery at 12:45pm on January 9th. Those who wish to honor Connie are encouraged to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org.
