Connie Ward, 61, of Syracuse, departed this life in hope of eternal life on September 7, 2026. She was born in Omaha, NE, on September 9, 1964, to Donald and Sharon (Morrissey) Emmons. Connie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and great-aunt. To Connie, nothing and no one was more important than God and she spent her life trying her best to exemplify that, even to her final days. After God, the most important thing to her was family, especially the children. Of all her titles, “yiayia” was her favorite and she was everyone’s yiayia. She had an affinity for books and reading and, for some time, ran a children’s bookstore in Syracuse. To her, it was a wonderful blend of what she loved. When she had to close her bookstore, she donated the remainder of the books and made sure that all of the books left over went to those who would benefit the most. She also homeschooled for over thirty years, teaching her son, grandchildren, nieces, and their children, as well.

Connie was the type of person that was always ready to help. She often gave of herself, not expecting anything in return. She was the person that many relied on for anything from understanding paperwork to offering much-wanted advice on a variety of subjects. For many, she was the one that was sought out, especially when times were tough.

Connie was also a loyal, if not delusional, Cowboys fan and always looked forward to football season and watching games with family. She is survived by her loving husband, Moses, her son, “Lee”, her grandchildren, Dimitri, Nicholas, Meredith, and Catherine, her mother, Sharon, her sisters, Linda (Burl) and Shirley, her brothers David and Brian (Teresa) and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grand-nephews, great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews, who she loved dearly. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Goshen, with burial to follow at the Syracuse Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the funeral.

Eastlund Funeral Home is handling arrangements.