Constance "Connie" Carol Pawlowski, nee Harvalis, age 76 of Mundelein, IL.

Beloved wife of David Pawlowski; cherished daughter of the late Chris and Penny, nee Maggos, Harvalis; devoted sister of Francine Harvalis, Dean (the late Pat) Harvalis, and the late Lynn (Ted) Cowen; fond sister-in-law of Chris Pawlowski; dear aunt to Todd (Laura) Cowen, Angie (Nick) Kitzerow, Katie (Meghan Stoll) Harvalis, Chris (Kristie) Harvalis, and Nick (Andrea) Harvalis; loving great-aunt and cousin to many.

Connie was born on March 11, 1950, the third daughter of Chris and Penny Harvalis. When she was in fourth grade, the family moved to River Forest, where Connie grew up and graduated from Oak Park–River Forest High School. Earning an Illinois State Scholarship, she went on to attend Rosary College in River Forest, where she studied sociology. Her college years were truly memorable and her River Forest home became an informal sorority house for her many friends, with her mother warmly serving as their unofficial house mother.

Shortly after graduating in 1971, Connie met the love of her life, Dave. They married in 1973, settling first in Elmwood Park before putting down roots in Gurnee. In 1991, Connie returned to Rosary College and earned her master's degree in special education. She devoted the next twenty years to teaching special education, first at Woodland School in Gurnee and later at several other north suburban schools. She left a lasting mark on every student and classroom she touched.

Connie and Dave cherished 53 wonderful years together, filled with travel, friendship, and family. They were especially close with their large extended family and loved nothing more than time spent together. Many winters found them on Marco Island, Florida, where Connie delighted in long walks on the beach, a good book, and visits from friends and family.

Children held a very special place in Connie's heart. The whole family treasures countless memories made at the cottage on Lake Winnebago, where Connie was always at the center of things. She hosted everyone with warmth and care, and making sure every niece, nephew, grand-niece, and grand-nephew went home with memories of fishing on the lake, summer swims, and trips to pick apples and strawberries.

Connie felt truly blessed to share her life with Dave, their family, and a wide circle of devoted friends. She cherished every relationship and will hold a permanent place in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered lovingly by all.

Visitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help 1775 Grove St, Glenview, IL 60025 on Thursday, June 25th from 9:15 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

For further information, Simkins Funeral Home (847) 965-2500