Constance Hartman ’50 Formsma

Constance “Connie” Yvonne Formsma, 96, of Wyoming, MI formerly of Elkhart, IN, passed away Sunday June 11, 2023 at Rivertown Ridge Assisted Living in Wyoming, MI. She was born May 30, 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI to Don and Hazel Hartman. She married Gerald “Jerry” Formsma, her high school sweetheart, on September 9, 1949 at United Brethren Church in Grand Rapids, MI.
After Connie graduated from high school, she went to Hope College in Holland, MI, considering a career in music, but chose instead to stay home to devote her time to raising their children. Once the four children were in school, she became a nurse and worked at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. After moving to Elkhart, IN, she worked in the office at AACOA alongside her husband in the aluminum extrusion and anodizing industry.
She enjoyed singing in her college and other choirs throughout her life. Connie had a beautiful, soprano voice and was a frequent soloist during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Connie and Jerry were members of Parchment United Methodist Church while living in Parchment, Michigan. In Elkhart, they were members of the former First United Methodist Church, then Trinity on Jackson Church (Elkhart, IN). They were dedicated choir members everywhere they lived. Connie was also a member of the ladies society at the church and a member of the Four Arts Club in Elkhart.
Connie loved to spend time with her friends and family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her children deeply. She was exceptionally generous with her time and resources in her grandchildren’s lives. And she felt profoundly joyful and satisfied to be married to the love of her life and soulmate. Together, Connie and Jerry traveled to most regions of the world, especially Europe. They spent many winters in Mesa, AZ. She made close friends wherever she went, even when she moved into a senior community last year. She will be sadly missed. In addition to her love of music and family, in her later life, Connie was also an avid Notre Dame football fan and could frequently name the entire starting lineup.
Connie is survived by her husband of 73 years, Jerry, their children Kari (Larry Hembroff) Formsma of Jenison, MI., Hunter Boone of Kalamazoo, MI, Daniel (Rene) Formsma of Sturgis, MI., and Kelly McVeigh of Okemos, MI., grandchildren Jesse (Stephanie Danner) Hembroff-Formsma, Emily (Scott) Meier, Derek Formsma, Paige (Will) Petersen, Nathan (Dana) Hembroff, RJ (Brianna) McVeigh and Luke (Emily) McVeigh, and 17 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Carolyn Formsma. Connie was preceded in death by her parents Don and Hazel Hartman, her sisters Peggy Cooper, Beverly Taylor, her brother Don Hartman, Jr., and her son-in-law Brian McVeigh.