Connie Slama

Connie Slama was born April 8, 1946, the third daughter to her parents Adolph and Martha Slama. She first appeared to be a normal, healthy child, but her mother was concerned about slow development. Connie was evaluated at Mayo Clinic. The news was hard. Connie’s view of the world would be tinted by mental retardation.Connie attended Hollister School in Sioux Falls, one of the earliest facilities to teach special needs children. Her childhood was loud and boisterous. She loved to pick on the piano, sing, and enjoy the outdoors.She resided at Redfield State Hospital and School until adulthood, when she returned to the home of her parents. In the following years Connie was more withdrawn, speaking seldom. She still enjoyed listening to music and walking, especially in the outdoors.Connie enjoyed being in a group of people… not at the center, but on the edge. Watching and listening, she would come and go. As she walked away, you would notice that your cookie was missing. And she was smiling her little smile.In 1997 Connie came into the Black Hills Workshop (Works) system. She lived in the Hampton group home. Her parents were comforted to see her transition into a safe place to live.In 2011 Connie became a breast cancer survivor with an excellent recovery. She later developed lymphoma, and spent her last days at Hospice House in Rapid City.She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two sisters, Verna Peterson of Lincoln, NE, Judie (Chad) Goodin, a brother David (Iris) Slama, seven nephews and two nieces.It is hard to say how much Connie understood of life. She was a bit of a mystery to those who knew and loved her. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)