Obituaries
Connie Greer, 83
October 11, 1937 - March 24, 2021
Connie Greer was a luminary and total original and yet didn’t want an obituary. She said it would be redundant. We disagreed. She unwillingly acquiesced with one stipulation: “No flowery language! I hate that!” After learning that her cancer had metastasized and she was going to die, she shed no tears and said calmly, “That’s the way it’s supposed to be. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” She left the world with a giant smile on her face – literally — at her home, eight days later on March 24th, 2021. Such was her smile that her beloved daughter-in-law Colleen poignantly observed, “Connie Greer has had the last laugh.”
This schoolteacher extraordinaire and head docent and beloved board member of the New Holland Historical Society was a complete study in contrasts; she was no nonsense with a cut and dry sensibility who also possessed a magnetic joie de vivre that was un-matched. ONE COULD NOT DIM HER LIGHT. She ended absolutely every conversation with an upbeat, “Righto!” Fiercely independent and strong, she was known in her community for being open-minded, straightforward and fair. She had no time for dishonesty.
Connie was the grounding force of the Greer family and a beacon for her children, Sarah and Jonathan. Wildly funny with a dry wit, Connie loved to laugh with her friends and her beloved sister, Sibby. She was also an eloquent letter writer and taught her kids the power of the pen. She believed that everybody was connected, and nobody was inaccessible.
An inspiring educator, Connie held a Master’s degree and inspired countless children to love learning. She graduated from Millersville Teacher’s College on January 20, 1959 and stepped into her first 6th grade classroom the very next day! So many of those students in that first class (and throughout her career) later became her cherished, lifelong friends.
She loved people with a passion, as well as dinner parties, balloons, a strong cup of black coffee, hanging laundry on the line, playing bridge, traveling abroad, driving her convertible VW bug across the Amish countryside and reading books. She was a voracious reader and longtime member of two book clubs and would say to anyone who would listen, “Remember. Books are your friends.”
Her favorite place on earth was Colonial Williamsburg. She even built her home (together with her late husband, John) to resemble a house on Duke of Gloucester Street, complete with a giant hearth in her kitchen. She loved entertaining and serving dinner to her nearest and dearest in her dining room by candlelight.
It must also be said that Connie Greer was obsessed with the weather and with everyone’s safety and would not drive unless your seatbelt was fastened.
At the end of her life, her three greatest loves were her dog, Benji, her beloved granddaughter, Lillian – and the New Holland Historical Society. In Connie’s memory, donations can be made to: New Holland Historical Society, PO Box 464, New Holland, PA 17557.
Connie used to sing Doris Day’s song to her children: “I love you, a bushel and a peck.” And we all know that she felt that way about New Holland, her friends and her life.
A celebration of Connie, to take place on Sunday, October 10, 2021 in honor of her October 11th birthday, will be announced.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 31, 2022
my grandmother made me so happy
April 01, 2021
Jonathan and Colleen I’m very saddened by the news of Connie’s passing. I always enjoyed my conversations with her. Such a warm and caring person. She will be missed by many.
J.R. Johnson
April 01, 2021
Connie was a wonderful docent, head docent and valued member of our board of directors at the New Holland Area Historical Society museum. She was the “face” of our organization in that she volunteered every Thursday for almost 10 years and the day she worked was always the busiest for visitors. She will be missed but remembered with a smile.
Wilbur Horning
April 01, 2021
Words cannot describe how much my husband and I loved Connie. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. I will always cherish our many dog walks, conversations about history and politics, dinners together, and our impromptu evenings with delicious snacks and drinks. Connie was always ready for fun. I miss her so much!
Deborah Shepardson
April 01, 2021
Connie was one of the most beloved people I have ever known. She was always a wonderful person and great friend who will be missed by all. She always gave so much of herself to those around her. Rest In Peace dear friend and condolences to all who loved her.
Mary Gudikunst
April 01, 2021
Connie was my mentor when I joined the Summit Valley, 4th grade staff. She was truly a wonder! Her infectious laugh and enthusiasm was memorable. And she loved teaching! I consider myself blessed to have known her. My sincere condolences to the family.
Nancy Aronson
March 31, 2021
Connie was my mother’s best friend, and she was my honorary Aunt. I spent SO many days with her and her family over the years. She will be deeply missed by so many people.
Leah
March 31, 2021
What a wonderful person. At the beginning of each school year, Connie would tell me how excited she was to meet her new class of students and to be their teacher. She was gracious, humble, and loving. Dan Falvey
March 31, 2021
Deepest condolences Sarah and Jonathan. Your mother was always an inspiration.
Stephanie Matthews
March 31, 2021
Connie was a great person. I only met her a few years ago and she was a joy to be around.
Frank B
March 31, 2021
Mrs. Greer taught me to love reading and for that gift I am eternally grateful. She was the most influential school teacher in my life. Our prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Mark Kimmet
March 31, 2021
When I was Assistant Supt. at Garden Spot, I always remember Connie as one of the outstanding teachers in the district. She was always focused on developing the essence of all her students and when I would visit her room you could see the excitement in the eyes of her students. Connie was always an outgoing human being. Anytime I was out for a walk or run, and she was outside, she always said hello or have a chat with me. I’m sad to see of her passing, but in true form her quote, “That’s the way it’s supposed to be. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” says it all! She might be physically gone, but her spirit will live on through all that she touched.—John Gould
March 31, 2021
I did not know Connie and I read she didn’t want “a flowery” obituary but you did a perfect job. I feel I know her from your writings and she sounded like a great person. I too had 4 vw bugs the last a ‘very and what great times one can have in one. My deepest condolences.
Jan
March 31, 2021
SADNESS SURROUNDS ME AS I WAS IN MRS. GREER’S FIRST 6TH GRADE CLASS HOUSED IN “THE PINK
BUILDING” OF NEW HOLLAND ELEMENTARY . FRESH OUT OF COLLEGE , SHE WAS IMMEDIATELY HIGHLY
REGARDED AS OUR TEACHER. I TO SPENT MY WORKING LIFE IN THE CLASSROOM. INSPIRATION??
MIKE FUTER
March 31, 2021
Connie will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful lady, always full of joy. Both Connie and her late husband John, as well as her children, were some of the first friends we made when we came to this area. And for that, we are truly blessed.
March 30, 2021
I am beyond saddened to hear of Connie’s passing. I had the privilege of her “standing in” as a substitute teacher @ GSHS, in my younger years.I also have many stories as we re- connected and shared our ups and downs in life when I also came to know and love her sweet little Benjamin Greer at our Veterinary Hospital, where he receives his care and grooming. She adored that sweet little( terrified of the car ride) Benji who she rescued., and would do whatever it took to keep him healthy and happy. I will miss those times. My sincere sympathy to the family. Kris T.
