Connie K. Dorsey

Connie Kay (Burns) Dorsey, 85, of Rockford passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Born June 11, 1940, in Richland Center, Wis., she was the daughter of Paul and Lorena Fern (Gander) Burns.

Connie graduated from West High School in Rockford, Illinois, and she continued to live in the stateline area until her passing. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and a friend to many in the congregation and community. She is remembered fondly by her children and grandchildren as a devoted daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. Her memory lives on in her surviving relatives, including her brother, Terry Burns; children, Theresa (Mike) O'Hea and Tim (Deb) Dorsey; and her grandchildren, Olivia (Justin) O'Hea, Natalie (Emily) O'Hea, and Jack Dorsey. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Paul and Fern Burns, and her sister, Patricia Smykay.

Connie's life was filled with gentle joys - a love of animals, weekends spent with her family, and an ever-present candy dish that was beloved by all who visited her home. She was the best grandma to Olivia, Natalie, and Jack, and a regular attendee of all of their recitals, games, and other milestone moments. She frequently visited Wisconsin with her friends and family, and made sure to pack a sweet treat or two for the road trips.

Although her family feels this loss acutely, they are comforted in the fact that she is reunited with her mother, Fern, who Connie deeply loved. Theresa and Tim would like to thank the staff at River Bluff Nursing Home, who cared for Connie in her final years.

A private service will be held on Friday, July 18. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church or Noah's Ark Animal Shelter. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.