The world lost a compassionate citizen, selfless wife, loving mother, and dear friend when Constance Joanne Som (known to everyone as Connie) died on June 24, 2018.

Connie was born October 29, 1953 in Fullerton, CA to loving parents Max and Carolyn Decker. In childhood, she moved frequently around the West with the constant companionship of her playful older sister Catherine (aka Cathie), and precocious younger brother Mark. Always a creative spirit, she grew up with a love of music, sewing, performing in the theatre, and writing for and editing her high school yearbook. In her youth, she cultivated a strong Christian faith, which she contemplated, practiced, and modeled for the rest of her life.

Connie married Thomas Som, her high school sweetheart, in 1974. They had their first child in 1977, a son named Nicholas Anthony, followed by a daughter named Rebecca Lorraine in 1980. Connie was a loving wife and mother who dedicated much of her adult life to creating a nurturing home and life for her family.

After years of living and working across Washington State and internationally Tom and Connie retired in western Washington in 2007. In retirement Connie continued to pursue many hobbies, including quilting, photography and beekeeping. She and Tom were avid travelers, and she spent many hours volunteering at Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend, WA. Perhaps her greatest joy in these years was the birth of her five grandchildren. She extended such deep thought and care to them, and they all adored her.

After battling breast cancer three times Connie made the difficult decision to end treatment in May. She always fought this disease with courage and humility. In her final weeks Connie was proud to celebrate her 44th wedding anniversary with Tom. They continued to share a deep and abiding love until the very end. She was surrounded by her loving family as she passed from this world. She will always be remembered as a curious, intelligent, committed, and faithful woman, and her loss has created a hole in the hearts of all that knew her.

Connie Som is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Carolyn Decker. She is survived by loving husband Tom Som, sister Catherine Duersch and her husband Cory Duersch, brother Mark Decker and his wife Sheila Decker, children Nick Som and Rebecca Som Castellano and their spouses Anna Som and Isaac Castellano, and her five grandchildren (MaryAnn Cora Som; Amara Jo Som; Emre Anthony Som Castellano, Anthony Masan Som, and Saul Mark Som Castellano).

A memorial service for Connie will be held at 11:00 AM on July 7, 2018 at Mt. View Lutheran Church (3505 122nd Ave E. Edgewood, Washington, 98372, 253-863-5171). A light lunch will be provided after the service. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made in Connie’s name to the Mt. View Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Fund or the Capital Fund Raising for New Roofs at Mt. Si Lutheran Church (P.O. Box 487 North Bend, Washington, 98045, 425-888-1322).