Constance Gaynell Moore, nee Hawkins, 80, of Chicago, formerly of Des Plaines, passed from this world May 17, 2007 after a long illness. The beloved wife of John R. Moore for more than 57 years; she was the loving mother of John R., Jr., Linda (Donald) Schmidt and Deborah L.; proud grandmother of Birgit Swanson, Dirk and Austin Schmidt; sister to Betty Young and James Hawkins; and dear aunt of many nieces and nephews. She was the eldest of five children of Mark and Lillian Henderson Hawkins of Canton, NC. Connie attended Canton public schools and entered Maryville College, Maryville, TN, graduating in 1948. She earned many of her college expenses by working campus jobs and participated in many student activities, including playing the flute in the band and orchestra, singing in the women’s chorus, and acting in experimental theatre. She was also managing editor of the student newspaper. She joined the staff of Candler School of Theology at Emory University after college. Following her marriage, she served on the faculty of Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, NC and then on the library staff at the University of Tennesee, Knoxville and Cumberland college, Williamsburg, KY. Upon moving to Illinois, she and her family made Des Plaines their home for many years. During this time Connie was awarded a fellowship to the graduate library program at the University of Chicago. In 1962 she accepted a position in the corporate library at United Airlines headquarters. The following year she became supervisor of their five-library system. Later she was also assistant manager of the law division offices. A recognized pioneer in computerization, she found innovative solutions to data management in both departments. Her work and interests led to her election to several state and national offices of the Special Library Association, of which she was long a member. After her retirement, she spent much of her time doing genealogical research. She was also an avid home gardener and for many years a volunteer at the Chicago Botanic Garden. She also volunteered in the office of the Norwood Seniors Network. In earlier years she enjoyed canoeing and camping with her family and she traveled abroad with her husband. She always challenged her children to maintain high standards of personal, academic, and professional integrity. Connie’s intelligent presence and indomitable spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brothers William M. and Wayne B. Hawkins. She is survived by her husband, three children, three grandchildren, a brother and a sister, and many nieces and nephews. She requested cremation and burial of her ashes in the North Carolina mountains where her parents rest. A celebration of her life is scheduled at 11 a.m., June 2, at the Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center, 6467-73 N. Northwest Hwy. (1 blk N. of Devon), Chicago. Burial and graveside service will be held at old Bon-a-Venture Cemetery outside Clyde, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Rainbow Hospice or your favorite charities are suggested. Info 773-774-3333.
