Constance E. "Connie" Zierden

I forgot to mention Connie was on a soapbox in Harlem in 1930 advocating for interracial marriage. She believed this was the way to end racism. She and Tekla loved the little sparrow Sputzky so much, when he died Connie returned home from afar to have him taxidermied. He was kept by her until I last saw her. Also, she made sure the College of St. Benedict allowed the first Black female student, over the boards decision. Because of Connie, that young lady was accepted and more Black students were allowed a college education. She fought racism wherever she saw it …head on. A few of the many reasons I greatly admired her. What a legacy she left.

Connie shared with me that she and her good friend Tekla Karn lived a little bird named Sputzky. They adopted him after he was found hurt. He used to sit on their shoulders and crawl in their hair. Connie bought a bud vase with a rose, for every Benedictine Sister that passed away, for many years. I met a lot of those Sisters, because of my friendship with Connie. She shared many stories of her life. We sat and talked for hours. She also loved a little white chihuahua dog named Annie, that we both shared, for several years. Annie loved her very much and it was mutual. Connie was one of the most beautiful humans I have ever known. We had many teas and lunches together. She gave me her wooden “Hands” plaque, that she bought in Germany. I treasure it. It hangs on my bedroom wall with the note she wrote with it. I will miss her forever.

God bless you Connie, and sincere sympathies to the family. Connie was such a bright lady, so full of joy. I will miss her!

There will come a day when the tears of sorrow will softly flow into tears of remembrance…and your heart will begin healing itself… and grieving will be interrupted by episodes of joy…and you will hear the whisper of hope. There will come a day when you will welcome the tears of remembrance…as a sunshower of the soul…a turning of the tide…a promise of peace. There will come a day when you will…risk loving…go on believing… and treasure the tears of remembrance. All those sleeping in their graves will wake up and sing for joy. As the sparkling dew refreshes the earth, so the Lord will revive those who have long been dead.”-Isa. 26:19.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I grew up on the other side of the “lane” from Connie. Such a sweet lady. My brother Marc and I always called her and Teckla the Bird Ladies. We so loved to go over to their house and look at the bird. What a wonderful live she lived.