Connie Meislahn

Constance Elizabeth Meislahn, 37, born November 1,1986, of Sylvan Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, passed from earthly life on March 11, 2024, of complications from an extremely aggressive cancer. Her partner and her parents held her at the end; her brother watched over her child nearby. Connie cherished life, reflected in her choice of a vegan lifestyle. She could not bear the production and slaughter of animals for human use. She mourned the imbalance of nature brought about by modern agricultural practices and shared her knowledge with others. Any turtle haphazardly crossing the road would have been safely carried across on Connie’s route, because she stopped to shepherd turtles to protection. One day as a child she recognized a certain angst in a a stray Labrador and brought him home, where, unclaimed, the dog became a beloved family pet for many years. Pugs were her favorite dogs, and the two in her current home will miss her affection and care. Spatial awareness and economy of movement were her fortés . Connie’s ability to bring order to a task or a room seemed nearly magical, both in deftness and speed. She spent almost her total work life with Best Buy, Inc. Mentored by those who recognized her talents, she progressed from organizing displays to building Magnolia rooms, Best Buy’s showrooms for premium brands of audio and video entertainment. Eventually, she led her own team for the transformation of vast empty spaces into orderly and inviting retail stores. She must have been a pretty good boss because her team bought her concert tickets when her favorite band came to town. Her most recent position as a resource person for malfunctioning Best Buy computer-driven displays lessened her travel time so that she could be home more with her family. Connie’s creativity was nurtured by her art teacher at Crow Island School, her wood shop teacher at Washburne School, and her graphic design teacher at New Trier High School (Winnetka, IL). Projects from her childhood and her adult life adorn her parents’ and her own homes. Her family and friends loved to listen to her happy and exuberant chatter, and they valued her advice and expertise on all matters technical as well. With her long-term partner Jesse Paredes, Connie affectionately wove together the families in her life created by birth and adoption. “An amazing and selfless person,” Connie held a varied group of family members within the bonds of her love and care. She is survived by Jesse Paredes, Phoebe Leigh Paredes, Harry and Nancy Meislahn, Douglas Meislahn, Madison Biester, Elijah Hills, Adeline Hills, Linda Shea, Brent Caldwell, Tina Dean, and Amber Dean. All wish to honor her kind, courageous, and loving heart. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) of Norfolk, Virginia or to the Dattoli Cancer Foundation of Sarasota, Florida or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com. Connie was laid to rest next to her Meislahn grandparents in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Illinois on March 15. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 1 at 10 AM in the Garden Room of the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois. A children’s corner with coloring sheets and building blocks will be provided.

Connie Meislahn

November 1, 1986 - March 11, 2024