Connie Rae Presnell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully at the age of 72 at her home in Meridian, Idaho on March 8 th , 2025. Connie was born in Belfield, North Dakota on November 2, 1952. She was the oldest of six children. Her parents were Robert (Bob) and Ann Schneider.
Connie waged a brave fight against pancreatic cancer. She never complained. Her love of life, determination to enjoy every day, and strong faith were an inspiration to her family and friends. Connie was beautiful inside and out. The colorful caps and head scarves she would wear to her chemotherapy appointments showed her impeccable style and garnered many compliments from the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for her at Saint Alphonsus Cancer Center.
Connie’s family agrees that one of her superpowers was that she was always quick to be able to express exactly how she felt about almost anything based on her facial expressions and words. She was an open book, and a beautiful read. Another superpower was that she could be the life of the party and the party director at the same time. Connie was a very generous soul. Many family members have commented that she could always buy the perfect gift. It probably helped that she loved to shop.
Connie married Duane Tessier in 1970. Connie and Duane were blessed with one son, Darren. They lived in Belfield, ND. Connie worked in North Dakota for many years in several positions in the insurance industry. In 1999 she began a long and rewarding career at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She worked in several departments at the hospital over the years. When she retired in 2016, she was an Executive Assistant in the Trinity Health Information Technology department.
Connie met her husband, Rick Presnell, at a hospital business meeting in 2003. They enjoyed many activities over their 22 years together including skiing, snow shoeing, camping, kayaking, and travel. They made their home in Boise for sixteen years, and in 2020 moved to Meridian. They shared an enduring love. Connie was a wonderful mother and a wonderful stepmother to Rick’s children.
Connie was an accomplished knitter, and over the years she gifted many of her projects to her family. She was working on knitting projects during her last week with us. She also was a superb home decorator. Rick will tell you that anything in the home that is either beautiful or smart is Connie’s doing.
Connie is survived by her husband, Rick; her son, Darren (Daniela); grandson Henry; brother, Mike; sisters Kim (Toby) and Nancy; sister in-law Renee; nephew Nathan; nieces Jessi, Lexi (Jack), Emily, Katie, and Britney (Mark); stepchildren Adrianne, Nolan (Sarah), Daniel, and Noelle (Breck); step grandchildren Elia, Mika, Edison, and Frankie; and other extended family, all of whom she loved and cherished.
Connie was predeceased by her parents, her brother Bob and sister Jackie. She is with them now in the loving arms of her heavenly Father. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to two of Connie’s favorite charities, The Boise Rescue Mission https://boiserm.org/donate/give-now-2/ or Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope Ministries https://www.caringheartsandhandsofhope.org/
A funeral mass will be held, 11:00 am, Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 6300 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian, with a rosary beginning at 10:00 am.
A committal service will be held 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho.