Constance Sue Sefcik Laventhall, 86
Constance “Connie” Sefcik Laventhall, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the small town of Nahma, Connie was the eldest child of William and Winifred Sefcik. Raised in the Catholic faith, alongside her sister (and best friend) Barbara and brother Bill, Connie carried the values of compassion and service throughout her life. She graduated from Warren Fitzgerald High School, where she was a top student and class president, and later attended the University of Michigan. Her passion for learning led her back to school in her forties, proudly completing her B.S. in Nursing at Pace University.
Connie met her husband, Donald Laventhall, in New York City, where they began their life together before moving to Scarsdale, NY, to raise their growing family. They spent over 20 wonderful years in the Edgemont community. Connie, a staunch advocate for her children’s education, served on several school boards both at the Rectory School in Pomfret, CT, where her son attended, and locally in Edgemont. Connie, proud of her Michigan roots, ensured her family enjoyed annual summer trips with relatives and time on the ancestral family farm in the Upper Peninsula.
A skilled and compassionate nurse, Connie was a pioneer in her field, working as head operating room nurse at the first ambulatory plastic surgery center in New York City. For nearly two decades, she balanced this demanding career while raising her family with grace and dedication. She later joined the team at White Plains Hospital, where, in addition to caring for patients, she shipped excess surgical supplies to African hospitals. Throughout her career, Connie touched countless patients’ lives until her retirement in 2000.
In her later years, Connie found companionship and joy in her relationship with Joe Gornick. They shared a home and many happy years together in Stamford and Greenwich, CT. Following Joe’s death in 2005, Connie moved to Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC to be near her dear lifelong friend. There, she embraced a vibrant community and formed cherished friendships. Connie and her friends bonded over their shared love of the arts, attending the opera and theater, gathering for regular Saturday breakfasts, and enjoying sun-soaked trips to Atlantic Beach. Her cultural curiosity led her on adventures across Asia and Europe, where she continued to learn, grow, and immerse herself in new experiences. Connie remained committed to service and volunteered in the Pittsboro community, where she enjoyed sharing her love of horseback riding with special needs children at a local farm. Perhaps Connie’s greatest legacy lies in her kitchen. A gifted gourmet cook, she found deep joy in preparing beautiful meals for family and friends. Her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Gammy,” especially treasured the time they spent beside her, learning to cook and bake with love. Connie’s final years were spent in Fleming Island, FL with Danielle’s family, who cared for her lovingly. Max, Gillian, and other loved ones frequently visited. Nothing brought her more joy.
She is survived by her children Max Laventhall of Raleigh, NC (former daughter in-law Donna), Danielle Blumenberg (Cliff) of Fleming Island, FL, Gillian Nelson (Will) of Darien, CT, and step-son Donald Laventhall Jr. (Jeff) of New York, NY; her beloved grandchildren: Nate and Julia Laventhall, Sarah Carlson (Todd), Clint Blumenberg, and Caroline, Elizabeth, and William Nelson; great grandson Asher Carlson; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her former husband Donald, partner Joe, sister Barbara Farnham, and brother Bill Sefcik. Connie will be remembered for a life rich in love, friendship, and unwavering devotion to family. She will be deeply missed.
A 10am funeral Mass will be held on July 19, 2025 at Newman Catholic Center at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Connie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720