Connie Hanretty.
Santa Margarita, California – Connie Hanretty – A life well lived.
Born Dec. 13, 1957 – To Heaven Feb. 8, 2025
– Connie Hanretty, 67, went to heaven on Feb. 8, 2025, in San Luis Obispo, CA, surrounded by her boys, Nathan and Andrew, and husband, David. Born on Dec. 13, 1957, in Larkspur, CA, to Irish and Lithuanian parents Jim and MaryAnn Hanretty (Narusis), Connie lived a full life dedicated to service, compassion, and bringing people together. One of her favorite sayings was that life is like a play and we all have a role in that grand theater.
Connie’s journey of education and professional dedication was marked by her commitment to helping others. She attended Saint Patrick Elementary School and Redwood High School before pursuing higher education at San Diego State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. We should mention that she was Homecoming Queen at Redwood High School attained in no small measure by the efforts of her sister Mary Kay. Also, her network of High School friends is a current tribute to her loyal and ever faithful heart.
She later obtained a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Cal Poly. Her career was diverse and deeply rooted in serving others. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Victim-Witness program within the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, ensuring that those affected by crime received the support they needed.
In the late 1980s, she helped establish Comprehensive Counseling in San Luis Obispo which was dedicated to helping families thrive. Later, as a lecturer at Cal Poly, she continued her mission of guiding and uplifting others. She cherished being a college professor and working with students. Connie’s work was defined by her kindness and belief in the potential of every person she encountered.
Connie met David because she came by his cubicle on the recommendation of a mutual friend. After dating for 10 days, he asked her to marry him and their love story was sealed forever. Throughout the years they were partners in life. They enjoyed each other’s company, laughing a bunch, and building a life in Santa Margarita. They were sports fans together (Giants/Dodgers, Warriors/Lakers), and loved movies and popcorn with Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Narnia a few of their favorites.
Masterpiece Theater was a favorite with Downton Abby and All Creatures Great and Small leading the way. They spent time driving to beautiful places around our County. They were “peas and carrots” as life went on for 34+ years together. David was known to her as a “prince” of a man and she was known to David as a Jedi Master. And she truly was; the force was strong with this one. A love story that was meant to be.
The role that Connie most cherished was being a mother. She loved Nathan and Andrew so very much and is watching over them now. Always going the extra mile for them and always encouraging them to do their best. She was their biggest fan and cheerleader, as well as counselor and advisor. Her birthday parties were legendary; Narnia, Airbender/Avatar, Iron Chef, and Finding Nemo were some of the themes.
The backyard was often transformed into these places. She had a smile and a way about her that lifted us up, gave us inspiration and encouraged us to be kind and caring. She was so proud of Nathan and Andrew. A mother’s love for her child does not waver; Connie’s love for her sons was immovable and forever. Semper fi.
Connie was a force of nature when it came to fostering community and joy. She was also a best friend to almost everybody who knew her. She had an infectious enthusiasm for life. It included playing Pickleball and serving as the President of the San Luis Obispo Pickleball Club. Whether organizing tournaments or simply encouraging others to play, she led with action and passion.
Her love of bringing people together extended far beyond the court she orchestrated elaborate haunted houses for neighbors and legendary holiday soup parties that opened the house to all. These events embodied her generous spirit and unwavering commitment to connection. She was the chair of the Santa Margarita Advisory Group which provided a voice for the community about public services. The recent effort to improve traffic safety in the town is one example of her work. Always involved, always courageous, and always treating others with respect.
Connie’s faith walk was a cornerstone of her life. It provided her with strength and guided her in her mission to serve others with love and acceptance. She was prayerful and thoughtful as her faith evolved over the years, always seeking ways to lift up those around her. Her belief in Jesus gave her courage to walk the path set before her. Her faith carried her throughout the health challenges she faced helping her to run the good race. She never was a victim of those challenges and fought an incredible fight to heal and to live life to its fullest.
Above all else, Connie loved life and embraced each day with joy. She had an extraordinary ability to inspire those around her with her positivity and zest for living. When asked how she was doing, she often responded with a simple yet profound statement: “Today is a good day.” This outlook defined her approach to lifealways looking forward, always seeking ways to be a light to those around her.
Connie is survived by her loving husband, David Church; her sons, Nathan Church and Andrew Church; her mother, Mary Ann Hanretty; her siblings, Tim Hanretty (Joel Morris), Mary Kay Stratton (Gregg Stratton), and Jim Hanretty (Kiren Niederberger) and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Hanretty, and her in-laws, Lois and John Church.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 30th, at Santa Margarita Ranch, 9000 Yerba Buena, Santa Margarita, CA 93453. Please RSVP to David Church at Dchurch20@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SLO Noor Foundation, Jacks Helping Hand, the Lumina Alliance, or the charity of your choosing.
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