Constance D. Heller-Zeiger

Constance Heller Zeiger

03/04/1939-02/17/2024

Constance "Connie" Heller-Zeiger of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away peacefully Saturday, February 17, 2024 at age 85. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Richard S. Heller, husband Martin A. Zeiger and friend, Bill. She is survived by her sister, Pamela Etzler (Dennis) of Washington, son, R. Scott Heller (Sue) of Portugal, daughter Melinda Heller Nellos (Lynne) of Albuquerque, daughter Stefanie H Clement of Las Vegas, grandchildren Christopher J. Nellos (Kate), Scott N. Nellos (Kara), Corey C. Nellos, Clotho S. Heller, John A. Clement, Jr., Joseph R. Clement.

Connie was born in Los Angeles, California to Homer H. Brightman and Rosalind Smith Brightman. She graduated from Hoover High School and received her degree in education from the University of Arizona, Tuscon, where she enjoyed being in the Delta Gamma sorority. Connie remained active with her sorority throughout her entire life. She had a master's degree in special education and began teaching in 1961. She taught for almost 40 years. Her passion was working in the special education/side by side program she helped to develop, and teaching kindergarten at Mark Twain Elementary School in Albuquerque. She was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), supporting the advancement and education of women through grants and scholarships, all of her adult life and still attended their meetings into her 80s. After Connie retired, she missed seeing all those children, so she went to work for Kim Jew Photography school division and continued seeing many of the children she taught over the years. She also enjoyed volunteering in her grandchildren's classrooms, volunteering at the Presbyterian Ambulatory Eye Surgery Center, traveling, being a member of the Silver Stampers Club, playing bridge and bunko with friends, and her See's Candy!

Memorial contributions may be made to the NM chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) for the advancement and education of women with a focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide:

P.E.O. Chapter AW-BJ

C/O Martha Peecy Treasurer

5401 Royal Oak NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111

or online donations may be made to the international organization at: donations@peodsm.org