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Connie Mae Kapferer May 1, 1947 – November 21, 2025
Connie M. Kapferer (Taggart), 78, went to be with our Lord on November 21, 2025, just five days after the passing of her beloved husband of 60 years.
Born on May 1, 1947, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to Thomas R. and Ruth G. (Burgett) Taggart, Connie was the second oldest of eight children—seven girls and one boy—and grew up in Jefferson, Ohio.
She attended Jefferson High School, where she met her future husband, George.
Connie was a devoted member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she was married and remained active throughout her life. She helped lead the church’s Christmas toy drives and care kit programs for children in need, always finding ways to serve others through her faith.
Connie proudly served on the Dorset Fire Department with her husband and, notably, alongside her sisters as the first women to join the department. At a time when few believed women belonged on a fire crew, she served her community with courage, dedication, and the unwavering support of her loving husband. Connie loved spending time with her family in Marienville, Pennsylvania, and Noble County, Ohio—places filled with decades of cherished memories, fishing trips, and countless campfires. She loved animals of every kind, from family pets to the black bears and deer she spotted at camp. A gifted sewer and quilter, Connie spent countless hours creating beautiful blankets, quilts, and matching outfit sets for her grandchildren. At family gatherings, you could often find her quietly laying out pieces for her next project. Connie’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and was always their biggest cheerleader at every event. She had a warmth that drew people in—steady, genuine, and comforting, like the light of a candle. Her presence made others feel cared for simply by being near her.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, George; her siblings Mary Lou Hill, Thomas Ray Taggart, Inez L. Pebbles, and Barbara Taggart; her brother-in-law, William Mann Sr.; her nephew, William “Billy” Mann Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Roberta Taggart.
She is survived by her siblings Joyce Mann, Carol Sito, and Sue Palmiter; her daughters Julie (Vince) Bednar and Kim (Ron) Carter; her five grandchildren—Eric (Molly) Woodin, Justin (Rebecca) Woodin, Michael Woodin, Paige Clark, and Kourtney (John) Norris—and her four great-grandchildren—Annaleigh, Austin, Ana, and Laney Woodin. She also leaves behind her dog, Tootsie, and her cats, Pipsqueak and Sparky.
Though we grieve her passing, we celebrate a life well lived—a life built on faith, family, and love.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 28, from 4–7 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene 55 E Satin St, Jefferson, OH 44047. Additional calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 12–1 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Dorset Cemetery. A luncheon will be held afterward at the church.
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