Constance Suzanne, ‘Connie’ (Boss) Mullen, 83, died peacefully in the Lord, fortified by the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, on November 8, 2023, at Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois.
Connie was born the third daughter of Harry & Mildred (Schneider) Boss on October 6, 1940 in Alton, Illinois. After proudly attending St. Mary Grade School and Marquette Catholic High School, both in Alton, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael K. Mullen, on October 1, 1960.
Her early career involved work as a secretary at Owens-Illinois in Alton. After marriage, she was an excellent homemaker and loved working with the Girl Scouts of America in Salem. For her dedicated work, she was presented with the Thanks Badge, the highest honor given by the Girl Scouts at that time. When her sons began Cub Scouts, she became a den mother. Along with other couples, they were instrumental in the re-opening of St. Theresa School in 1977. From then, she volunteered as the school secretary and later worked as the parish secretary as well, where she was awarded Secretary of the Year in the City of Salem. She took pride in being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She retired in 1992 to care for her father. She was well-known for her gentle demeanor, her cheerful laugh, and her ability to organize family vacations and major fundraisers. She was a talented crafter, gardener, and cook especially Holiday Dinners. Along with Mike, she assisted Santa every December for many years. She continued to volunteer for St. Theresa’s as long as she could. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016 and spent nearly five years at Centralia Manor, where she received excellent and compassionate care.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Harry & Mildred Boss, her father- and mother-in-law John and Lillian Mullen, her infant sister Mary Jane Boss, her toddler sister Virginia Lee Boss, her brother Henry ‘Hank’ Boss, and her first daughter, Kelley Ann Mullen.
She is survived by her travel companion, best friend, and husband of 63 years, Michael Mullen of Salem, Michele (David) Steele of Salem, Patrick (Patty) Mullen of Six Mile, SC, Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, of Belleville, and John (Jan) Mullen of Brownsburg, Indiana. She and Mike also have ten grandchildren: Michael (Jenna) Steele of Prospect, KY, Jacob (Nina) Steele of Okinawa, and Thomas Steele of Chicago; Tory (Aleks) Siegel of Ipswich, MA, Chris (Lexi) Mullen of Elk Grove Village, IL, Joe Mullen of Mystic, CT, Ryan Mullen of Mystic, CT, and John (fiancée Megan Carr) Mullen of Dallas, TX; Joshua Mullen of Mt. Vernon and Patrick Mullen of West Lafayette, IN. They also loved to spoil their eight great-grandchildren: Ben, Luke, Will, & Emily; Jack, Domenick, and George; and Milo.
Visitation will take place from 3:30 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 812 West Main St., Salem. Visitation will also take place from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Monday, November 13, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, where the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Godfrey, IL. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church or Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 310 North Broadway/ P.O. Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to Constance’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook page.
The family extends their gratitude to all who have shown kindness during this difficult time, particularly the staff of Centralia Manor.
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