Rauschenberg, Connie

Connie Rauschenberg (Entrup)

May 28, 1941 – October 18, 2024

Connie Rauschenberg, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 18, 2024, in Rochester, NY, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s-related illness. Born on May 28, 1941, in Cleveland, OH, Connie’s life was filled with devotion to family, faith, and service to others.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A. Rauschenberg; her parents, Estelle Entrup (Penote) and Cyril Entrup; and her sisters Kathy Messer (Entrup), Lois Mack (Entrup), and Louise Entrup. Her father, Cyril Entrup, was a University of Notre Dame and Harvard Business School graduate and a successful businessman who adored his daughter. Tragically, he lost his life in an automobile accident in 1955, leaving a lasting impact on Connie’s life and values.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Entrup; her son, Scott Rauschenberg (Kathy); her daughter, Sue Rodeman (Chris); and her cherished grandchildren, Kyle and Ryan Rodeman, who brought her great pride and joy.

Connie spent her childhood in Cleveland, where she developed a love for golf and piano and enjoyed summers by the beach in Madison, OH. A 1959 graduate of Beaumont School, she pursued her passion for helping others by studying Special Education at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. During her time in the South, she witnessed the civil rights injustices of the era and taught children with special needs, an experience that deepened her compassion and commitment to service.

After college, Connie moved to Chicago, where she worked at Sports Illustrated and met her future husband, Donald. They married in 1967 and began a family, raising their children with love and care in Chicago, IL; Fort Wayne, IN; and finally, South Bend, IN.

A devout Catholic, Connie was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish at the University of Notre Dame, where she found community and spiritual fulfillment. A talented pianist, Connie’s music was a source of joy both to herself and to others; she was known to play the piano at any opportunity, sharing her gift openly with friends and family. Even in the later stages of her memory loss, Connie continued to lift the spirits of fellow residents in her assisted living homes with her music.

Her family is deeply grateful to the caregivers who treated Connie with warmth and compassion, including Senior Helpers of South Bend, IN; Rochester Regional Hospice and the staff on 4 South at St. John’s Memory Care, Rochester, NY.

Connie’s life was a testament to her values of faith, resilience, and generosity. She will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and her unwavering love for her family. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday November 27th 10:30 am at St Joseph’s Church in Penfield NY. 
In lieu of flowers, donations in Connie’s honor can be made to the St. John’s Home.