Constance J. Lavine, age 93, passed away suddenly on September 13, 2026. Born to John and Nina Larson in Long Beach, California, on December 26, 1932. Connie lived a life filled with grace, curiosity, beauty, and deep devotion to God and the people she loved. Her life journey took her through California, Minnesota, and Kansas, but for the last sixty years, the Madison area was home.

Connie married Robert Lavine in 1955, and together they built a warm and lively home in Westmorland on Madison’s west side, where they raised their four children. After Bob passed away in 2007, Connie married Fred Holtzman.

While her children were young, Connie devoted herself to being at home with them, creating a loving foundation that would shape their lives. Over the years, she also shared her gifts as an English teacher, librarian, executive director for the Wisconsin State Judicial Commission, and President of Wisconsin Solar Design, where she continued working with purpose and dedication until her last day.

Connie had a gift for creating beauty wherever she was. Her garden was spectacular—a peaceful, magical place filled with gorgeous flowers, birdsong, and the gentle sound of fountains. She was an excellent cook and a gracious host, gathering the whole family around holiday tables. She was wonderfully well-read, a faithful Brewers fan, and an enthusiastic follower of professional tennis. She also loved camping, and when her children were young, she delighted in family camping trips that took them all over the country. As a season ticket holder for the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Madison Opera she took special pride in watching her son, Karl, perform as principal cellist.

More than anything, Connie loved her family. They were the center of her world and the greatest joy of her life. She made childhood feel enchanted for her grandchildren: elaborate tea parties with her granddaughters, using her fine china, best linens, finger foods, and many tea choices and Easter egg hunts designed with delight and care. She curated beautiful Easter baskets for her daughter and daughters-in-law, filled with thoughtful treasures for their homes and gardens, and always made traditional Swedish Christmas dinners with delicious recipes that have been passed down to her children and grandchildren. She instilled in all of us the importance of family traditions.

Connie had a rare way of making everyone feel loved, seen, and special. There was nothing better than going to see “Granny,” sitting in her garden, and simply being with her. She found profound joy in life’s simple pleasures: her garden, the birds, music, art, wonderful food, a glass of champagne, or a cup of tea. A sign in her garden captured her spirit beautifully: “The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of birds for mirth, one is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”

Connie is survived by her devoted husband, Fred, and by her four loving children, who were the pride of her life: Karl (Karen Boe) Lavine, Birgitta (Jeff) Meylor, Lars (Darcy) Lavine, and Leif (Mary Camille) Lavine. She was “Granny” to her beloved grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy: Evan (Nicole Cullen) Lavine, Kyle (Lindsey) Swanson, Taylor (Wayne) Alibin, Eric Swanson (Haleigh Skinner), Marissa (Michael) Meyer, Matt Lavine, Jenna (Christopher) Kern, Nate Lavine, Elizabeth Lavine (Andrew LaFortune), and Rachel Meylor (Lawson Ludwig); and to five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Adeline, Mari, Evander, and Isla, with one more expected in March. Mom/Granny made a profound and lasting impact on all our lives. Her love, warmth, and generosity of spirit will live in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Ave., on Saturday, October 10, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. and refreshments to follow after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church or Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Heartstrings Program.

Please share a favorite memory of Connie in the guestbook below.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave.     Madison

 608-238-8406