Constance Solheim, 66, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Leckie; and brother, Paul Leckie.
Connie is survived by her mother, Stella Leckie; husband, Gary Solheim; and their children, Nicklaus Solheim, and his wife, Jessica Solheim, Erika Bartley, and Christopher Lloyd. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dominik Mishler, Skyler Solheim, Austin Bartley, Mackenzie Bartley, as well as their father, Robert Bartley. Her surviving siblings include Terry Leckie, and his wife, Lucinda, Mike Leckie and Pat Leckie.
Connie was born in Alpena, Mich., and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor’s Degree in French with a minor in English. She completed her master’s degree at Old Dominion University.
In her final year of studies in Wyoming, Connie met the love of her life, Gary Solheim. After graduation, she returned to Evanston, Wyo., and Gary joined the U.S. Navy. The two kept a long-distance romance alive through letters and phone calls. After Gary proposed to her on a bus, Connie moved up the original wedding date and the two were married on Feb. 24, 1973. The couple lived in Guam, and Pensacola, Fla., before settling in Virginia Beach.
As a beloved and respected educator for over 30 years, Connie was intensely passionate and competitive with a sharp mind and demanding standards. She enjoyed reading, playing games and puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren. Connie took great pride in her career and always pushed her students and her peers to achieve beyond their expectations.
Above all, Connie was devoted to her Catholic faith. She was an active parishioner of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Throughout her illness, she continued to receive great comfort from her faith, her family and her friends. When able, she regularly attended services.
The family extends its sincere thanks to the caregivers and staff of Sentara Hospice House, who delivered loving and compassionate care during the final days of her life.
A funeral Mass will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Princess Anne Chapel, 3445 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Princess Anne Middle School for the Constance Solheim Scholarship Fund.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
