Connie Welch

Connie Z. Welch, (nee Zwolinski), strong matriarch and a woman of deep faith, peacefully passed to her eternal home in heaven on March 12, 2026, at age 94.

Born on February 19, 1932, in Naugatuck, CT, Connie began forming the values of kindness and resilience that would come to define her life

As the youngest child, Connie was part of a bustling household including six sisters and two brothers. The chaotic joy of a large Catholic family brought early lessons in love, sharing and perseverance. These early connections shaped her character, along with her siblings who were a built-in support system and lifelong companions.

After graduating high school in Connecticut, Connie met the love of her life, Tom Welch. After a short courtship, they married in 1954 and welcomed three children over the next five years, David, Kevin and Karen. By the early 60’s, the allure of sunny skies and a promising future sparked a cross-country move to California, where Connie remained for much of her life.

Connie enjoyed every part of creating a warm, welcoming home, possessing a natural talent for hospitality. She had a keen eye for interior design and a green thumb in the garden. Far and away, her most fervent pastime was her passion for bargain hunting, collecting, and community connection through hobbies like garage sales, swap meets, and scouting grocery sales. These activities were cherished times that brought her countless hours of joy, social interaction, and treasures.

Never one to shy away from adventure, Connie lived a life of deep-seated wanderlust, travelling throughout the US and Europe with Tom and her sisters. Frequent trips to New England and Florida created lasting memories.

We will miss her infectious smile and kind heart. She leaves behind a family she taught to cherish God's grace and a legacy of quiet strength rooted in prayer.

Connie is predeceased by her parents Alexander and Mary Zwolinski, her beloved husband, Tom Welch, brothers Albin and Antos, and sisters, Ann Ranaudo, Marie Wright, Regina Faass, Helen Magone and Frances Paglino.

She is survived by her children David Welch, Kevin (Susan) Welch, Karen (Tim) Parker, grandchildren Kelsey Parker, Kyle Parker, Ryan Welch, Koji Welch, Matthew (Calisa) Welch, and Hannah Welch, great-grandchildren, Henry, Dean and Kennedy, several nieces and nephews, along with well-loved in-laws and cherished friends.

Due to current church renovations, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church will celebrate the Funeral Mass at nearby Christ’s Church, 1060 Chandler Rd, Lake Oswego, Oregon on March 27th at 11:00am.

Connie will be buried beside her beloved husband, Tom at St. James Cemetery in Naugatuck, CT on June 19, 2026.