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June 2, 2023
Constance Lee Melton passed away in Tucson, AZ after a brutal battle with ALS, less than one year after her diagnosis. Connie leaves behind a legacy of compassion, servant leadership, and community involvement.
Born in St. Louis, MO, Connie was a rare and special woman who touched lives through her unwavering determination to making a positive impact in her community both professionally and through voluntarism.
Connie graduated from the University of Tulsa and later from SMU Law School with a passion for justice, thus laying a foundation for her career and life path. She began her professional journey as an attorney for the government and corporate entities, but it was when she ventured into serving individuals and families with estate planning, wills, and trusts that she discovered her true calling. In pursuit of her passion, she opened her own law firm where she found fulfillment in working with people and helping them establish their legacies.
Beyond her career, Connie sought opportunities to serve people and to make a difference in individual lives as well as the community at large. She was an active member of her church community, involved in activities including RCIA and marriage preparation, where she lovingly shepherded and supported others on their spiritual journeys. Her faith, wisdom, kindness, and empathy touched the lives of all those around her, bringing comfort and guidance to those in need.
Connie's dedication to her community extended beyond her church involvement. As a member of the Delta Gamma sorority in college, her focus was sight conservation and aid to the blind. She cared deeply for all animals and was a loving "dog mom" to her beloved pups, Zoe and Molly. She shared that love through involvement with Husky and Airedale rescue groups and as a contributor to the Pima Animal Care Center. She played a vital role in the Tucson non-profit community, assuming leadership positions in multiple organizations. As the Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Southern Arizona and Fundraising Manager for the American Diabetes Association, she worked tirelessly to advocate for causes that mattered. Connie also contributed her talents to Greater Tucson Leadership and served as President of the Junior League of Tucson, leading by example, and encouraging and empowering others to make a positive impact.
Connie loved her work, but also put her own pursuits and career on pause for a lengthy period to care for her mother and mother-in-law. She was selflessly devoted to family and those she loved. Connie's legacy of servant leadership and commitment to justice will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Connie is survived by her beloved husband of 23 years Randy, who was her best friend and soulmate. She is also survived by her mother, Joy Kirkendall; sister, Jennifer Durenberger (Dan); nephews, Holton and Matthew; and many cousins and friends who were like family. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Kirkendall, and both sets of grandparents.
Constance's celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, after June 6th, 2023, at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church 2727 E Tangerine, Oro Valley at 10:00 am following after friends, colleagues, and members of Connie's extended communities are invited to attend to a reception in her honor, at 12:00 p.m. The reception will take place at the Junior League of Tucson, located at 2099 E. River Rd. in the Kiva building at noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the ALS Research Foundation at www.als.org/arizona, to the Connie Melton Memorial Leadership Fund established by the Junior League of Tucson to train women leaders in their community at www.juniorleagueoftucson.org/conniefund or to a charity of your choice.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew her.
