Connie "Miller-Birge" Wright

Connie was born in Omaha to George and Eleanor Miller on November 16, 1943. She grew-up in Omaha, aside from living a few years in both Grand Island and Kearney. As a young girl, she loved her dolls, playing house and being outdoors. She and older sister, Deanna enjoyed playing their version of “Name That Tune” with their record player. Her family also had chickens which were known to chase the girls around the yard in and attempt to peck at their toenails. She attended both Benson West and Druid Hill Elementary schools and graduated from North High School. During high school, she was a cheerleader, and involved in several clubs and activities including, Future Nurses of America, Junior Red Cross, Student Council and Student Commission. She married Bill Birge on August 17, 1963. They resided in Omaha with their basset hounds, Caesar and Mugsy. Connie enjoyed working for Dr. Clark before starting a family. On August 17, 1967, on the couple’s 4th wedding anniversary, they were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Laura Lynn “Laurie”. Another blessing came with the arrival of Amy Suzanne on August 28th, 1970. The family moved to a new home in 1972, which they had designed and built. She enjoyed trips to both Puerto Vallarta and New Orleans. A family vacation to Hawaii in 1973 was the destination she was most fond of and spoke of often. Bill and Connie later divorced. Connie eventually relocated to Des Moines, IA where she worked for the Des Moines Water Works and Equitable Life Insurance Company. On November 28, 1980, she married Paul Wright and they resided in Adel, IA. She was happy to have two step-daughters, Kelly and Valerie Wright, who were close in age with her own daughters. All four girls became life-long friends. She was once again blessed when they welcomed a son, Jason Paul, on September 1, 1981. The marriage ended in 1984. Over the years, she spent time in Colorado, Illinois and Kansas visiting her children and grandchildren, whom she cherished. She was also very fond of all the family pets and lovingly referred to them as her grand-dogs and grand-kitties. Connie also attended Metro Community College for a few years. She enjoyed bowling, ceramics, sewing, crocheting, and cooking. Her love of music included favorite artists such as Elvis, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, and Chicago. Those who knew her admired her friendly disposition, a love for fashion and impeccable handwriting. She followed Nebraska football and had affection for Colorado Rockies baseball. With a love for the mountains of Colorado, she had most recently been living in Canon City, CO with her beloved cat, Moakie. While visiting their mother in June of 2012, her daughters were concerned with her health and moved her back to Omaha in August. The following month, she was hospitalized and diagnosed with lung cancer, with metastases to the lymph nodes and brain. She bravely underwent surgery and radiation treatment, but ultimately lost her battle with the disease. She entered into rest on March 9, 2013 with her children by her side. She is survived by daughter, Laurie (Mike) Turner of Wichita, KS - granddaughters, Emily (18), Hannah (15), and Elisabeth (11); daughter, Amy (Ed) Pugsley of Omaha; son, Jason Wright of Omaha - grandchildren, Dylan (10), Alejandra (9), Anadina (6), Guinevere (6), Trent (3); sister, Deanna Forbes of Omaha; nephew, Mark (Dee) Gould, Clearwater, MI; nieces, Cindy (Ron) Sutton of Phoenix, AZ; and Kristi (Jeremy) Cox of Omaha. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Eleanor Miller; and brother-in-law, Donald Forbes.

Connie "Miller-Birge" Wright

November 16, 1943 - March 9, 2013