Constance J Wren

Constance Jane Wren, age 86, of Tucson, AZ, formerly of Peoria, IL, completed her earthly journey on July 26, 2025, at Arizona Homestead. To honor Connie’s life, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Desert Skies United Methodist Church, 3255 N. Houghton Rd., Tucson, Arizona with Rev. Matthew Colby officiating assisted by Rev. Dr. Brooke Wilkerson. Family and friends of Connie are invited to join in fellowship at the church. The Avenidas Cremation & Burial is humbly serving Connie’s family.

Connie was born on March 9, 1939, in Peoria, IL, and adopted by Robert and Goldie Bruce when she was 6 years old. Shortly after, the family moved to Phoenix AZ where she grew up, graduating from Central High School in 1957. She was gifted, working with children and went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Art in Education from Arizona State University class of 1962. She taught 1st grade for 35 years, starting in the Murphy Elementary School District and eventually retiring from Alhambra School District. Connie took an early retirement offer and moved to Tucson in 2002. Connie received a “Teacher of the year” award for the State of Arizona and traveled to Boston MA to compete for National Teacher of the year in 2001. Connie also worked at Sullivan Learning Center specializing in reading. She always said everyone can read, they just need to be taught.

Connie was strong in her faith and a big part of her church community. She was active in the Choir and Sunday School and would even play Handbells. She loved being involved with Emmaus and went on many walks and made so many great friends. She loved playing cards and dominos with friends and was very active in square dancing. She was happiest when she had all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren around. She enjoyed spending time reading to her grandkids throughout their childhood which developed their reading skills for life.

Thank you, Connie, for leading by example, reminding us that we are all children of a creator who loves us and has purpose in our lives, and for simply being the woman so many around you just needed in their daily lives. May the Lord bless and keep you in His loving arms until we meet again.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints”. Psalm 116:15

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Connie include,

her five children,

Bobby (Pamela) Watkins, San Tan Valley, AZ,

Linda (Michael) Harrington, Tucson, AZ,

Marc Watkins, Tucson, AZ,

James Wren, Mesa, AZ,

Johnny Wren, Mesa, AZ.

her four grandchildren,

Tamara (Matt) Ludwigs, Sydney Harrington, Skyler Harrington, Robbie Watkins, Ryan Quale and Rena Quale.

her two great-grandchildren,

Caleb Ludwigs, Norah Ludwigs.

and her sister’s, Sylvia Maddox, Mary Jane Hymbaugh, Joan.

her sister’s-in-law, Deanna Jean Wren, Gloria Darlene Wren, Gilbert Lynn Wren

Connie was preceded in death by her husband James Franklin Wren, her parents, Robert (Goldie) Bruce; James (Lectoria) Wren Sr; her brother, Genn D Bruce; her brothers-in-law, George William Wren; William Edward Wren; Howard Loyd Wren; Martin Marion Wren; Alfred Ray Wren; her sister, JoAnn Koller; her sisters-in-law, Mary Lee Wren; Janis Pearl Wren; Elizabeth Ann Wren

Connie’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Arizona Homestead and Copper State Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care of Connie and her family.