Obituary of Connie St. Onge

Connie St. Onge

Saginaw, Michigan

On January 20th, 2024 at 9:25pm mom passed peacefully from this world into Heaven with so much love surrounding her during this journey.  She was in the company of her three boys and many grandkids while she left this Earth, and joined Jesus as well as her husband as she arrived in Heaven.

Connie was born to Ralph and Matilda (Bow) Emerson in Saginaw, MI on September 5th, 1944.  She graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1963.  On July 25th, 1964 Connie married the love of her life, James St. Onge in Freeland, MI.  James was drafted into the army, December 5th, 1966, he and Connie moved to Monterey, CA, which quickly became one of her favorite places on earth. Connie worked a number of jobs throughout the years, including working in a Kool-Aid factory, working as a waitress at The Starboard Tack, and also working at John Muir Medical Center. But the job she cherished most was that of a stay at home mom.

Connie was raised in Freeland, MI by her grandparents Newell and Mary (Gaertner) Emerson.  To her, they were her parents and they treated her like a beloved daughter. Across a corn field lived her Aunt and Uncle, Charlotte and Otto Wirtz. Their son Tim was like a brother to her. They grew up together and remained best friends all her life.

As a young girl Connie took tap dancing lessons and became quite good at it. Before Arthur Hill, she attended Freeland High where she joined the cheerleading team. She loved singing in harmony, often with her sister Sherry, one of her best friends. She absolutely loved spending time with her grandchildren and the name "Grandma" had to be her most cherished.  No one could have loved them more than she did. She touched many lives, but was closest with a small inner circle of family and friends. If you were part of this circle, you know who you are. She certainly was an animal lover and rescued countless cats and dogs through the years, giving them a warm and loving home. The most recent pet was her and dad's cat Blu, but Moose, Smokey, Mallory, Patches, Scotty, and Molly can't be left out of the list either.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband James (Buzz) St. Onge Jr., parents Newell and Mary (Gaertner) Emerson, birth parents, Ralph and Matilda (Bow) Emerson, and brothers, Bogie Randall and Mike Emerson. She is survived by her sister Sherry Graves, brothers Tim Wirtz and Rod Emerson, her sons Jim (Lori) St. Onge, Nick (Mel) St. Onge, and Andy (Kim) St. Onge as well as Nikki Ward. Her grandchildren James, Hailey, Noah J., Noah S., Andrew, Saylor, Keaton, Matty, Jordan, Holden, and Layne, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Finally, her cat Blu who will be happily living out the rest of her days under the care of Tim.

Connie’s wishes were to be cremated and forego a traditional funeral service.  Her and her husband's remains will be scattered together in various places that were important to them.  No traditional memorial service is planned at this time in respect of Connie's request.

Although the passing of mom was heart-breaking and brings great sorrow, she was at peace that God was in control and it was her time.  She is mourned and missed by many, but we are confident this is not a ‘goodbye’, just a ‘see you later’ until we are reunited with her in Heaven.  Until then we will remember her as a beloved mother, grandma, sister, and friend. We love you mom and miss you so much!

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com