Connie was an activist who supported causes from gender equality to racial justice to animal welfare. She was a fixture at area protests - even when she needed a walker to attend. And, during her time as an officer in the Michigan branch of the National Organization of Women, she successfully lobbied Michigan legislators to pass the Equal Rights Amendment.
Connie was also an animal lover, leading the Animal Placement Bureau for years and fostering pets until they found forever homes.
A talented vocalist, Connie performed regionally not only with her own band but also appeared in Creem Magazine for her stint as backup vocalist for Bob Seger. Her first love, however, was the theatre. Having studied under Uta Hagen, she went on to direct and perform in dozens of local theater productions, winning multiple awards and making many lifelong friends.
She passed her love of the performing arts on to the next generation as a faculty member of the Lansing Community College Theatre Department. Students felt her passion for theatre and education, and she often said she had found her true calling in the nurturing and encouragement of so many gifted, young performers.
She will be missed by her husband Marvin; children Jessica (Bill Murak) Oesterle, Alexis Oesterle, Nathan (Emily) Oesterle; stepson Blair (Colette) Oesterle; grandchildren Aemon and Merryn Oesterle; brother Steve (Kathy) Curran; nephew Callan Curran; and many other close friends and relatives.
A memorial service is being planned for the near future. Please check Connie's page for any updates. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ingham County Animal Shelter (600 Buhl St, Mason, MI 48854) or help Mason students attend LCC with the Mason Promise Scholarship (Capital Region Community Foundation, 330 Marshall Street, Suite 300, Lansing, Michigan 48912)
