Connie Landstrom Drew was born July 14, 1943 and passed away January 10, 2006 in Rapid City. Creative, eccentric, flamboyant Connie Drew was preceded in death by her father Ivan, mother Mary, and sister Shirley Landstrom, all whom perished in an airplane accident in 1968. Connie will remain one of the most colorful characters in recent Black Hills History, and is the self-acclaimed "reluctant heiress" to Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations. Landstrom's is one of the earliest known Black Hills Gold Jewelry companies. Connie consolidated her company's claim to being "THE ORIGINAL Black Hills Gold Company" by acquiring F.L. Thorpe in 1995. Other endeavors include being Creative Director and President of Eggspressions, a collectible gift manufacturing company. To Connie, that was all "just business", but historians can recognize the significant impact Connie has played in the current era of Black Hills Gold history. Many people in the Black Hills will recall Connie's flamboyant personality, including sporting a black cowboy hat encrusted with Black Hills Gold Jewelry and her unmistakable personal trademark of having each fingernail painted a different color. When interviewed prior to her passing, Connie said, "I always thought my purpose in life was to entertain people. Although I wish I would have played the autoharp more and done a few more magic tricks." Connie is survived by her three children, Bill, Cheri and Robert Lemley, and two grandchildren Zoë and Casper Lemley. Her vivacious and lively spirit will further endure by those who knew her well and those whose hearts she has touched directly as well as indirectly. She was a strong advocate for the cause against domestic violence. Connie possessed a genuine concern for the welfare and happiness of others. Part of that sincerity and authenticity came in the form of philanthropy, making charitable contributions under the alias of "annie-mouse" which is Connie's creative synonym for anonymous. Her spark and radiance will be missed dearly. Visitations are scheduled for Friday, January 13, 3:00-7:00 pm, and Saturday, January 14, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2006 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rapid City at 2:00 pm with Father David Cameron Officiating. A memorial has been established to W.A.V.I. Family and friends may offer online condolences at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
Connie Landstrom Drew was born July 14, 1943 and passed away January 10, 2006 in Rapid City. Creative, eccentric, flamboyant Connie Drew was preceded in death by her father Ivan, mother Mary, and sister Shirley Landstrom, all whom perished in an airplane accident in 1968. Connie will remain one of the most colorful characters in recent Black Hills History, and is the self-acclaimed "reluctant heiress" to Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations. Landstrom's is one of the earliest known Black Hills Gold Jewelry companies. Connie consolidated her company's claim to being "THE ORIGINAL Black Hills Gold Company" by acquiring F.L. Thorpe in 1995. Other endeavors include being Creative Director and President of Eggspressions, a collectible gift manufacturing company. To Connie, that was all "just business", but historians can recognize the significant impact Connie has played in the current era of Black Hills Gold history. Many people in the Black Hills will recall Connie's flamboyant personality, including sporting a black cowboy hat encrusted with Black Hills Gold Jewelry and her unmistakable personal trademark of having each fingernail painted a different color. When interviewed prior to her passing, Connie said, "I always thought my purpose in life was to entertain people. Although I wish I would have played the autoharp more and done a few more magic tricks." Connie is survived by her three children, Bill, Cheri and Robert Lemley, and two grandchildren Zoë and Casper Lemley. Her vivacious and lively spirit will further endure by those who knew her well and those whose hearts she has touched directly as well as indirectly. She was a strong advocate for the cause against domestic violence. Connie possessed a genuine concern for the welfare and happiness of others. Part of that sincerity and authenticity came in the form of philanthropy, making charitable contributions under the alias of "annie-mouse" which is Connie's creative synonym for anonymous. Her spark and radiance will be missed dearly. Visitations are scheduled for Friday, January 13, 3:00-7:00 pm, and Saturday, January 14, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2006 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rapid City at 2:00 pm with Father David Cameron Officiating. A memorial has been established to W.A.V.I. Family and friends may offer online condolences at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
