She was born on May 16, 1967, in Springfield, the daughter of Paul and Joann (Simonavich) Donovan. Connie married Mike Vaughn on June 22, 1990, in Springfield, IL.
Connie graduated from Lanphier High School in 1985. She went on to work for Horace Mann, retiring after more than 30 years of service. Connie also helped out at the family-owned bar, Whiskey Ridge. She enjoyed playing slot machines, vacations to the beach, spending time with grandchildren, people-watching with her best friend Samantha, and playing Bunco once a month on Thursdays. Connie had many friends and family she loved and who loved her unconditionally. Connie deeply loved her relationships with her grandchildren and her dogs.
Connie fought stage four breast cancer for six years, while also supporting her daughter Brittany’s family during their own health struggles. She was her husband Mike’s rock, keeping him grounded. Connie also successfully supported Haylee graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She was inspirational, caring, determined, beautiful, and courageous. Connie was a warrior fighting for herself as well as everyone else around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Connie is survived by her husband, Mike Vaughn of Rochester; children, Brittany (Steven) Smith, Shelly Vaughn, and Mikel Vaughn; grandchildren, Haylee Vaughn, Amarion Vaughn, Cameron Shaw, Alexa Shaw, DJ Lewis, Ella Smith and Wilson Smith; great-grandchild, Royalty; siblings, Chris (Rick) Austin, Kathy (Richard) Pasley, Tracey Donovan and Joey Donovan; several nieces and nephews; and best friend, Samantha Miller.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. The family asks that you wear pink or yellow for cancer awareness.
Funeral: 11:00 am on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, with Rev. Clint Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Following the services, the family will be hosting a celebration of life at Whiskey Ridge Saloon, Breckenridge, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to: HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Care, or Susan G. Komen.
