Constance (Connie) Estella (Manguso) Perkins, age 68, was reunited with her parents Marlene (Otto) Sullivan and Bartolo Manguso, Sr. on September 7, 2023. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family from complications of cancer.
Connie was born December 2, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri and was a 1973 graduate of Fox High School. After graduating high school, she resided in the St. Louis metropolitan area and relocated to the Kansas City metropolitan area in 1985.
Throughout her life, Connie devoted herself to raising and the confirmation of her championship line of English Springer Spaniels. She was an ambassador for the sport, committed to the development of youth handlers, and was an advocate against inhumane high volume dog breeding. She competed at Westminster in 2011, and several of her dogs were placed in distinguished homes, to include members of Congress and local TV personalities.
Connie was full of life, fun loving, authentic, and cherished being around family and friends. She loved the Kansas City Chiefs, knitting, ocean cruises, country music, and showcasing her Italian up bringing. She treasured the opportunity to entertain friends and family with her Italian dishes specializing in sugu and meatballs, bruciuluni, and pigs’ feet.
Family was the pivotal essence of her life. Connie was a loving, devoted, and proud mother. She was a champion of her kids and embraced every moment she had to make sure others knew how proud she was of them. During her kids sporting events, she had a vocal presence. Her kids, their teammates, coaches, spectators, and the surrounding counties knew she was at the game. She was a strong, vivacious woman, who taught her children how to be independent and self-reliant.
Connie is survived by her loving husband, Rick. She is also survived by twin sons and their wives Jeffrey Hawkins (Stacey), Corey Hawkins (Tiffany), daughter Shelby Clark, and son John Wheeler. Her sister Pamela Weber (Mark) and brother Bartolo Manguso, Jr., (Kelly).
Connie was, above all, passionate and proud of her numerous grandchildren Alaynea Garrison, Lilli Clark, Larrsen Clark, Sunni Clark, Noel Hawkins, Brooklynn Hawkins, Canton Hawkins, Kiley Hawkins, and Jayden Hawkins; great grandkids Brantley and Beckham. Along with her precious 4-legged babies, English Springers Spaniels Dyna and Roxie.
Connie will be deeply missed by all that knew her and loved her. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate her life, and find comfort knowing she is in heaven watching over us. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life and share your special memories of Connie with those in attendance at the Jackson County Shrine Club on September 16th from 5 – 9 pm.
The family would like to thank the health care professionals and staff at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City. Their passion and commitment to her and the family were exemplary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Connie’s name to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Celebration of Life Event:
– Date: September 16, 2023
– Time: 5 – 9 pm
– Dress Attire: To honor Connie, please wear Kansas City Chiefs attire (if you have it).
– Location: Jackson County Shrine Club, 120 S. Pleasant Street, Independence, MO 64050. Banquet hall located in parking lot directly behind Independence Masonic Temple.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO 816-796-8600