Connie Lee Sarwinski, age 81, a beloved wife, mother, Meema, and friend passed peacefully on June 17, 2025. Connie was born on Dec. 3, 1943, in Picher, Oklahoma to Walter and Della (Braden) Smittle. Connie graduated from Columbus Unified High School with the Class of 1961. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Pittsburg State University, and a Masters Degree in Art Education.
She married the love of her life, Joe Sarwinski, in 1963 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Columbus, Kansas.
Connie was a very talented artist and loved creating all forms of artwork. She was a beloved teacher in the Pittsburg School District for 25 years. She taught various types of fine art classes with painting using watercolor and acrylics, drawing, calligraphy, jewelry making, and ceramics being her favorites. She loved teaching art and loved her students, retiring in May 2001. She received the “Who’s Who High School Teachers of America” Award two times during her teaching career. She always loved hearing from former students. Connie was a member of the St. Rose Altar Society, Chapter V PEO Sisterhood, Cherokee County Retired School Personnel, Coterie Club, and served on the St. John’s Diabetes Advisory Board. Connie was President of the Cherokee County Friends of Art from 1980-1986. Connie was a member of the Pulmonary Rehab medical program, and Mended Hearts at St.
Johns Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Missouri. Connie enjoyed eating out with friends and family, shopping, and traveling.
Her family was always paramount in her life. Her daughters and grandchildren were her first priority. She loved them all dearly. In her retirement years she deeply treasured spending time with family and attended many school and sporting events throughout the years. She had a lifelong faith in God and always tried to do the right thing. Connie followed the Golden Rule of Life and always treated others in the manner in which she preferred to be treated. She instilled these values and morals in her children as well. Connie had a way of making everyone feel special and welcomed.
Connie is survived by her loving husband, Joe Sarwinski, of the home. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage on April 27, 2025. Connie is also survived by her daughters, Julie and husband Joe Dodd of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Jill and husband Carroll Soper Jr. of rural Scammon, Kansas; four grandchildren Seth (Paige) Soper, Regan (Alex Norris) Dodd, Ryan (Anne) Dodd, and Ross (Anahi Casas Perez) Dodd; two great-grandchildren: Connor Norris and Koe Soper. Connie was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Della Smittle and her infant granddaughter Jessica Dodd.
A Rosary prayer service will be held on June 20, 2025, at 6 p.m., at Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, Kansas, with the visitation following.
Funeral services will be on June 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Columbus, Kansas. Father Jeremy Huser will officiate. Burial will be in the Park Cemetery at Columbus, Kansas.
Memorial Contributions may be made payable to St. Rose Catholic Church, Columbus, Kansas, in care of Derfelt Funeral Home.
