Constance "Connie" Dondley Ripley-Lujan

Jun 26, 1935 -

Dec 31, 2020

Connie Lujan, formerly of Anchorage, Alaska, died peacefully on the eve of the New Year, in her Redmond, Ore., home.

Connie was born on June 26, 1935, in North Carolina, to Horace and Lilian Vaughn. In 1953, she graduated from high school in Lethbridge, Alberta. She attended Gonzaga University, where she met her first husband, Justin Ripley, and they were married in 1958. They lived in Spokane, Juneau and Anchorage and brought five sons into the world. In 1980, Connie returned to Gonzaga and graduated with a degree in religious studies. During the 1980s she earned masters degrees in education and theology from Seattle University.

Connie returned to Anchorage in the 1990s, and served as Director of Religious Education at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School until her retirement. During this time she met her second husband, Teodoro "Ted" Lujan and they were married in 2000.

Connie loved travel, a good book and spirited conversation. She was a loving wife, devoted mother and a fierce friend. A lifelong learner, she was fascinated with early childhood education. As a retirement project she authored a well regarded book on Maria Montessori.

Connie leaves behind her husband, Ted; her five sons and their partners, Justin (Wendy), Robert (Nancy), Mark (Karen), John (Patty) and Jeff (Teresa); and a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Lingard; and her brother, Robert Vaughn.

In lieu of commercial remembrances, please send a fond memory, wish or images to connie@tedconnie.com along with your contact information. These will be included in her Celebration of Life, and you will be notified of the plans as they become available.