On April 23, 2025, Connie M. Falkenstein of Stratford, CT passed away at the age of 75 years. She was born on December 5, 1949 in Traustadt, Germany, to Anton and Anna Schaefer.

In 1955, she immigrated to this country with her parents and brother, Klaus Schaefer, all of whom will welcome her in heaven. A graduate of Christ the King High School in Middle Village, NY, she attended Queens College, School of General Studies, in Flushing, New York, while working in various administrative positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. On July 8, 1973 she married the love of her life, Rainer Falkenstein. Shortly, after the birth of their son, the family moved from Richmond Hill, NY to Stamford, CT where they resided for over 40 years and where she was an active parishioner at St. Cecilia’s and later at St. Bridget’s Church by ministering to the homebound and volunteering at the New Covenant House, and as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a proud Associate of the Congregation of Notre Dame for close to 30 years.

During her lifetime she held various jobs including positions at Nestle, the accounting firm Van Brunt, DuBiago & Co, the law firm Day Pitney and as personal assistant to Robert J. Miller at Middle Farms LLC. But the role she treasured the most was being a wife, mother, and Oma to her two grandchildren. Family was the highlight of her life.

Connie is survived by her loving husband, Rainer, her son Brian, his wife Dana and their two children Anton and Lea, her daughter Karen and her husband Luis Casabonne, her sisters-in law, Marie Schaefer of Apex, NC and Elvira Kenny of Port Orange, FL; her nephews Stephen Schaefer of Washington, D.C., niece Annemarie Schaefer of Arlington, VA, Erik Kenny of Coronado, CA, and her Godchild, Rosemarie Mengele of Spring Hill, FL. and an extended family of in-laws in Germany and in Peru and dear friends with whom she was blessed with a close relationship.

Special thanks to her many dear friends who reached out with support and prayers during her recent illness. She could feel the love and it gave her comfort.

Those who knew Connie would not be surprised to learn that, true to her thoughtful and selfless nature, she wrote her own obituary before her illness—always planning ahead, always trying to make things easier for others.

And while she beautifully captured the story of her life, there is more that must be said. Connie’s quiet, gentle love touched more lives than words can express. She taught not through words, but through the way she lived—with kindness, grace, and unwavering strength. Her presence was a steady light, and her actions spoke of compassion, faith, and humility. She left a lasting imprint on every heart she encountered, and her legacy of love continues to shine through all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Connie’s name to the Congregation de Notre Dame online or by check at the address below:

https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/custom/CND/FlexBlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=CongregationND&d2tool=donate

Mission Advancement Office

Congrégation de Notre-Dame

3135 Easton Turnpike

Fairfield, CT 06825

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget’s Church in Stamford, CT on Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 am

In the coming weeks, family will share information about a Celebration of Life to honor Connie.