H. Constance R. Vegega, "Connie" entered this world in the middle of a Northampton, MA snowstorm, January 25th, 1923.  She returned to the Lord from her own bed in Ashburn, VA on December 6 ^th , 2016.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos S. Vegega, her parents, Eugene and Mary Rzeczkowski, brothers Gene Rivers, Alan Gregor, and Leo Rivers, and sister, Olga Romero.

Connie grew up in Amherst, MA with a strong faith and a love of family, music, learning, and adventure. After business school, she joined the US State Department as a secretary.  At the end of WWII, she volunteered for assignment to Poland, witnessing first hand the aftermath of war.  Those memories coupled with the exuberance experienced in post liberation Paris remained dear to her, her entire life, and helped shape a compassionate and inclusive view of the world.

A devastating accident overseas caused an early return to the States.  She recovered fully, and was assigned to Washington DC, where she met her future husband, Dr. Carlos S. Vegega.  This life long romance and devotion led her to accompany him to live in Buenos Aires and Mexico City, before settling down in Yonkers, NY.  They raised five children born in three different countries. Connie instilled her deep faith in each of them, as well as a love of learning and devotion to each other.

Connie worked for many years for the Yonkers, NY Board of Education as a secretary in a middle school guidance office. She brought her language skills (fluent in both Polish and Spanish) to her position, befriending many children who had no other allies.  After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, and became very involved in Sacred Heart Parish in Dobbs Ferry, New York.  In 2008, Connie moved to Northern Virginia to live with one of her children.  She continued to spend time with her family, living her life with humor and grace.

Connie was a strong, courageous woman, with an excellent sense of humor and love for life.  She enjoyed meeting and hosting diverse groups of people in her home.  She loved her family. She loved classical music. She loved to travel.  She enjoyed art museums and fine restaurants, as well as burgers, fries and ribs.  After her Church, she most enjoyed her work with the United Nations Women's Guild, helping disadvantaged children and women the world over and was personally involved in many of their projects.  Connie loved and was loved, and will be sorely missed.

She leaves behind many to mourn her passing.  Her sister, Mary Ruisi, of Watch Hill, RI.  Her children:  Dr. Maria Vegega of Alexandria, VA; Sue LaFemina (John) of Landenberg, PA; Juan Vegega (Hardee Mahoney) of Washington, DC; Alex Vegega (Karen) of Philadelphia, PA; and Ana Vegega of Ashburn, VA.   Grandchildren: Jenn McCracken (Sean), Katie LaFemina, and Shayna Vegega.  Great Grandson Braeden McCracken. And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive visitors at Colonial Funeral Home, Leesburg VA on Sunday, December 11th, from 2 – 4 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Ashburn, VA Monday, December 12 ^th at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38015

or

So Other's Might Eat (SOME) 71 O Street NW, Washington, DC  20001