Waneta Sue Downing (Trowbridge)

Our research guru, Nancy Hester Nicholson, found this update:

Our beloved Connie peacefully passed away at the age of 81 on the evening of July 23, 2023, in Plymouth MN, ending her 11-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Connie is preceded in death by parents Robert and Angeline Pedersen and sister Kathleen. She is survived by loving husband Roger, sons Charles (Jennifer), Christopher (Shelly), grandsons Joshua (Akasha) and Jeremiah, brothers Robert (Kathy), Kim (Patsy), sister Pamela (Gene), brother-in-law Robert, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was born in Chicago, IL, February 20, 1942. Her family moved to Sioux City, then later to Omaha NE. She graduated from Omaha Westside High School in 1959 and then worked at Western Electric in Millard. Later, she became the first salesperson at First National Bank of Omaha to introduce merchants to the new Bank Americard service. In 1974 she began a fulfilling 17-year career with IBM in Omaha, where she eventually met and then married her soul-mate Roger.

In 1993 Connie and Roger embarked on a new chapter in their lives moving to the Twin Cities. Connie's heart found great joy there in caring for and nurturing children. She embraced the role of nanny for her nephew Matt and niece Elise finding great personal fulfillment in watching them grow and thrive.

Connie's warm sense of humor, contagious laughter and natural charm endeared her to all who knew her. Her creative spirit shone through her love of music, literature, sewing and her exceptional talent in the kitchen. She took great pride in preparing delicious traditional Lebanese recipes, keeping her family's culinary heritage alive.

We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared with Connie and the memories that are forever etched in our hearts. Her love, warmth, and spirit will continue to guide and inspire us in our lives. Rest peacefully, dear Connie, knowing you are forever cherished by your loving family.

Connie's body has been donated to the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. Her cremains will eventually be interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha. Memorials may be considered to The Alzheimer's Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 14, 2023, 12 Noon, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 7909 Mormon Bridge Road, Omaha, NE 68152. A buffet lunch will be served at noon and reminiscences will follow.

Find a Grave Memorial ID: 259805614

Nancy Hester (Nicholson)

Married to Roger BAUMANN; her full name is Constance Jean "Connie" Pedersen Baumann, on Find-A-Grave".

Nancy Hester (Nicholson)

This is another obit for Connie with an older picture.      

Baumann, Constance Jean "Connie" (nee Pedersen) Connie passed quietly at the age of 81 in the evening of July 23, 2023, in Plymouth, MN, mercifully ending her 11-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She has been a resident of Brookdale of Plymouth for the past nearly 4 years. Connie was preceded in death by parents Robert A. and Angeline S. Pedersen, of Omaha, NE and sister Kathleen. She is survived by loving husband, Roger of Plymouth; sons, Charles (Jennifer) and Christopher (Shelly); grandsons, Joshua and Jeremiah; brothers Robert, Kim; sister, Pamela; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Connie was born in Chicago, IL, February 20, 1942. Her family moved to Sioux City, IA, where Connie spent most of her growing-up years. In 1958 the family moved to Omaha, NE. Connie graduated from Omaha Westside High School in 1959 and immediately began an administrative job at the then-new Western Electric plant in Millard. In 1961 she married Charles Bates and they then resided in Hollywood, FL, where her two sons were born. In 1969 she moved back to Omaha as a single mom and for several years worked two jobs, one of which was as First National Bank of Omaha's first salesperson signing up Omaha merchants to use the then-new Bank Americard service.

In 1974 she began a 17-year career with IBM in Omaha, holding several administrative positions. A brief 2nd marriage ended in 1976 and in 1978 Connie married her soul-mate Roger. She left IBM in 1991. Roger left IBM in 1992, and in 1993 they moved to the Twin Cities for Roger's new job. For the next seven years, Connie was busy doing her all-time favorite thing taking care of children, as she nannied for Roger's brother's 2 children, fulfilling her deep desire to be around kids. Though she had no formal education beyond high school, Connie was whip smart, a quick learner, and succeeded at everything she tried. She did not suffer fools and was particularly good at standing up for herself. She had a great sense of humor, she laughed easily, heartily, and often, and being very gregarious she was nearly always in the middle of social events large and small.

Although she herself could not carry a tune in a 5-gallon bucket, she loved to listen to music of all kinds. She enjoyed sewing, in particular "crafty" type things. She was an avid reader and enjoyed everything from James Michener and Robert Grisham, to Bill Bryson, Diana Gabaldon and Nora Roberts. She was a terrific cook, absolutely loved kitchen gadgets, and particularly enjoyed preparing Lebanese food using, literally, old family recipes. Connie's body has been donated to the University of Minnesota Medical School. Her cremains will eventually be interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha. A Celebration of Connie's Life will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at the American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis. Memorials may be considered to the March of Dimes or the Alzheimer's Association.

Published on July 30, 2023

https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000464712/