Obituary of Constancia C House

Obituary

Connie was a firm believer in obtaining a solid education and maintaining a fruitful relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Connie was baptized the same day she was born April 16th 1957 at San Nicolas de Tolentine in Malabuyoc, Cebu. In 1975 Connie graduated Severna Park High School where she was an honor student. In 1983 Connie graduated from Coppin State University, where she played Volleyball, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Early in life, Connie enjoyed dancing, yet cooking was one of her many assigned chores. As one of the older children she oversaw her younger brothers and sister while her mother worked. Whether it was parties at her mother’s home or with the Filipino Society she was always ready to help with a smile on her face. 

During college, she would pile her friends into her Yellow Pinto and go on road trips, even going from Baltimore to Detroit for a basketball game. Fans laughed at “Choppin” State while Connie enjoyed seeing her team win on the road. Upon graduation Connie taught biology labs at Coppin State University and also worked at Westinghouse’s location in MD assembling and conducted quality assurance for circuit boards. Connie embarked in Medical School in the Dominican Republic, she loved the Island life and the ocean. However, what she didn’t love was the sight of blood.

Connie later joined the United States Army where she served 3 years as Medic. She was proud to serve her country and give back to others. During her service, she received countless awards including “The Commanders Award”, “MEDDAC Certificate of Achievement”, “Army Achievement Medal”, and the “Soldier of the Week”. Her Commanding Officers cited Connie as doing an outstanding job as a squad leader and possessing the remarkable ability to deal with young soldiers and getting them to put forth their maximum efforts. 

Connie married Robert House on May 11, 1985 at her mother’s house in Pasadena Maryland. While stationed in Fort Dix Connie and Robert settled in Willingboro, New Jersey. They were proud homeowners in New Jersey. She enjoyed a 28-year career as a Principal Biologist with the New Jersey Department of Transportation Environmental Unit. As a Principal Biologist Connie had an excellent track record of permit writing, conducting environmental investigations pursuant to New Jersey soil samples, air quality, storm water, and drinking water regulations, and providing assistance to the office of the Attorney General in their prosecution of storm water violations. 

She volunteered on numerous committees including the CWA #1032, Willingboro Environmental Commission, Willingboro Planning Board, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Junior Daughter Counselor, Church Beautification Ministry, Willingboro Parade Planning Committee, and the Willingboro Neighborhood Watch. As well as, tending to senior citizens and church members lawn care needs in Burlington. 

Her garden and community service has always been the talk of the town. She treated anyone she came in contact with, with such grace, love, and understanding. In December of 1986, she gave birth to her son Yusuf, whom she would take him everywhere. Yusuf was involved in so many sports and activities that Connie would jokingly say, “I grow flowers and basketballs in my garden.” During March of 1992 Connie gave birth to her second child, Imani. With two kids in tow Connie would go to CWA meetings and sporting events. She was always front and center for any game, award ceremony, or play. She would drive down to D.C. any given weekend to spend time with Imani on Howard University’s campus. Connie would bake tons, of cookies, and pies every Christmas for various family members and friends. Connie enjoyed being a member of her church community at St. Josephine Bakhita (St. Bartholomew site) of Camden NJ. She would often decorate the church for service and always pushed herself creatively. She was determined to go bigger and better every time someone would ask her to decorate the church or assist in decorating for private events.  

Connie is the daughter of Diega C. Word and the late Joseph D. Word, she is survived by husband Robert House, son Yusuf House (Tequlia), daughter Imani Prince (Charles), three cherished grandsons Zaire House, Zain House, and Charles Prince III, sister Benita Lazaro, two brothers Natalio Lazaro and Robert Lazaro, five nieces, Christiana Greene, Maya Lazaro, Mia Leathers, and Nova Lazaro, nephew Jet Lazaro, Jamal House, Quinn White, sister in-laws, Armel Lazaro, Loulinda House, and Jocye Lazaro; special relatives Emmett Lazaro, Benigno Lazaro Jr., Augusto Lazaro and Josephine Sundin; dear relatives and friends in the Philippines, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey and worldwide.

Connie danced into heaven on August 31,2017 she said her final good byes, kissed her husband of 31 years and told him, “I know you love me”. She fell asleep peacefully after a short battle with Liver cancer. She was preceded in death by Joseph Word, Dr. Benigno Lazaro, her sister Marguerita Streeter, and special cousins Benny, and Fe.