Constance (Connie) Jean Strand, age 76, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026.  After a valiant struggle against her resurfaced Leukemia, she is now resting in peace.  She is survived by her husband, Donald Strand, of 57 years, by her two surviving children, Ben Strand and Amy Swineford, as well as her four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who all live in the greater Denver area and were all able to spend precious last moments with her.  She was preceded in death by her first daughter, Carrie.

Connie was born in Denver to Harold and Beverly Anderson and grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, attending Lakewood High School. Connie met Don while in high school on a blind date,and they married in June 1968.  She graduated from Western State College in Gunnison in 1971.  After her children were born, she went to work as a Community College instructor while she earned her Masters Degree in Education.  Her career culminated as the Dean of Allied Health at the Community College of Denver, a position that she held until her retirement.

Growing up, she and her family enjoyed much of their summertime at the Anderson Family Ranch, a few miles outside of Evergreen, Colorado.  She grew up enjoying the clean air and freedom of running and exploring the forests around the ranch from their summer campsite and eventually from their family cabin.  Her love for the cabin and ranch stayed with her throughout her life as she shared her love and the ranch with all of her children and grandchildren.

Connie was active in the community and held roles as Secretary for Daughters of the Nile, Past Honor Queen, Past Guardian, and Past Grand Guardian for Job's Daughters. She also supported the El Jebel Shrine and the Shriner’s Dune Buggy Club. 

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 1 PM.

St Andrews United Methodist Church

9203 S University Blvd

Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126