Obituary of Constance "Connie" Joan Jelke

The Good Life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge

Constance Joan Jelke, also known as Connie, was born in Chicago IL on December 8th 1931 to Edward Otto Jelke, an Office Clerk, and Helen Margaret Nowicki, a Housewife. Connie, as she was fondly known to her friends and peers, passed at the age of 89 years old on Jan 3rd 2021 in Las Vegas Nevada, which became her new home for more than 20 years after leaving Chicago IL.

Constance received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Chicago Teachers College, now Chicago State University, in 1954 and a Masters Degree in American Studies from Northeastern Illinois University in 1967. Constance had a career as a teacher for 30 years in the Chicago Public School System. She taught briefly at one other public school before her long career at Stephen F. Gale Community Academy in Rogers Park, where she taught the Gifted Class.

Constance was an active member of Green Peace and the National Audubon Society. She was also a former member of the National Organization for Women and was a very giving person who donated to various charities organizations throughout her life. She loved her gardens, made jewelry, she also loved to read and play the piano. She was also an avid Star Trek fan, and loved musicals and the shows of Las Vegas.

Constance retired in Las Vegas, Nevada with her partner, Martha Ruth Schneider (also deceased) but had a long and loving relationship until she passed several years ago. Constance is survived by The Jelke family in Chicago IL, Barbara Shorts of Ohio (Stepdaughter) Michell Reyes, Renee Higgins, the LGBTQ Community of Las Vegas NV and a host of many friends.

Donations in Constance's memory may be directed to the Indigo Valley church in Constance's name, Address: 1027 South Rainbow Blvd, #199, Las Vegas NV 89145

Thank you to everyone in this time of our great loss and Celebration for a Great School Teacher, A very Kind Person, and a Dearest Friend.

Visiting hours will be from 2-5 PM on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Kraft-Sussman Funeral and Cremation Services, 3975 S Durango Dr., #104, Las Vegas, NV 89147, with a Funeral sevice beginning at 2:00 PM. Due to COVID restrictions, service attendance is limited. The service may be seen via zoom on this link.