Constance "Connie" Lee Chiavario

Constance “Connie” Lee Olson Chiavario, age 66, of Sandwich, Illinois, passed away on June 7, 2025, at Rush Copley Medical Center, surrounded by her beloved husband, Ray Chiavario, and her eldest daughter, Sara Mirsky.

Connie was born on August 8, 1958, in Sandwich, Illinois. She graduated from Plano High School in 1976 and went on to attend Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. On September 15, 1979, she married the love of her life and her best friend, Ray Chiavario, in Plano, Illinois. Together, they built a joyful and faith-filled life, raising four children: Sara, Rachel, Joseph (Joe), and Jacob (Jake).

Connie was many things: a loving mother of four, a proud grandmother of six, and a deeply devoted wife, sister, and friend. She was also, as anyone who knew her could tell you, a woman of fierce, steadfast faith and deep compassion. Her relationship with God shaped every part of her life, and her ability to care for others truly and wholeheartedly was unmatched.

A tireless advocate for mothers and babies, Connie served as a La Leche League leader for nearly 40 years. In 2000, she earned her certification as an Illinois Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and began her professional career at Rush Copley Medical Center, where she worked for 23 years. Her deep passion for holistic care for mothers and babies left a lasting impact on countless families throughout her career.

As a founding member of Plano Bible Church, Connie lived out her faith in every aspect of her life. She sang in the choir, led AWANA groups, taught Sunday school for 2- and 3-year-olds for fifteen years, and joyfully welcomed youth, missionaries, and community members into her home. She also coached high school volleyball, served at soccer camp, and volunteered in the nursery and hospitality ministry.

Connie’s love of cooking and hospitality was unparalleled. She loved sourdough, gardening, canning, and a well-timed joke. She had a deep love for music, horseback riding, and was her happiest when spending time surrounded by her loved ones. She adored her family with her whole heart, and was a devoted homeschool mom. She had a lighthearted spirit and never turned down a water slide. A quiet woman by nature, her laugh was unmistakable — loud, contagious, and often the highlight of the room. She was a secret pro at foosball, and in her youth, she could (and did) take down both her sisters in backyard brawls. She was ready for anything, whether that be a dinner party or the apocalypse. She had her infamous Crock-Pot collection and enough canned garden tomatoes ready for either one.

Connie met life’s chaos with grace and humor. Even in the darkest seasons, she carried light for the rest of us. She was exuberant, sweet-natured, and resilient. She rarely asked for help, but was always the first to offer it. Her strength was quiet but unshakable. Her legacy is not only in the lives she helped shape, the kids she raised, or the meals she cooked, but in the way she made people feel: seen, safe, and loved. Connie’s heart and home were always open to all who sought comfort and respite.

Connie is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ray Chiavario; her children, Sara (Sean) Mirsky, Rachel (Ben) Lehman, Joe (Kassy) Chiavario, and Jake (Abbey) Chiavario; her grandchildren, Seth and Selah Mirsky, Aida Lehman, Josie, Kole, and Klayton Chiavario; her sisters, Leann (Jon) Hanson and Jennifer (Kevin) Wales; her stepfather, James Warren; her stepbrothers, Jim (Colleen) Warren, Duane (Trinette) Warren, Scott Gegenworth, and Mark Gegenworth; her stepsister, Teri Melone; and many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her mother, Roberta June Warren; her father, Harry Olson; and her stepmother, Helen Olson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Village Bible Church (Plano Campus). A celebration of Connie’s life will take place on Saturday, June 21st at 10:00 AM, at Village Bible Church (Plano Campus) – 1111 W South Street, Plano, IL, 60545.

In honoring Connie’s life, we remember a woman of deep faith, boundless love, and unwavering devotion to serving others. She will be dearly missed and forever cherished, and we look forward to the day that we get to hear her laugh again.

Arrangements by Turner-Eighner Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to Wayside Cross Ministries. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 

13160 W. Rt. 34 ~ P.O. Box 404

Somonauk, IL 60552

 815-498-2363