Connie Louise Bazaire
Connie Louise Bazaire, of Parrish, Florida, formerly Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Connie was born on June 2, 1937, in Charlotte to Theodore and Atha Carter. Connie established lifelong roots in the Charlotte community, beginning with her role as a trusted employee and helper to her father, Theo, in his first grocery store (Carter’s IGA) on Lansing Road. In her High School years (1951-1955), Connie loved playing the flute and piccolo in the Charlotte High School Marching Band, under the direction of Robert K. Powell. Mr. Powell had a long history with the music department at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, and was instrumental in helping Connie receive a music scholarship to continue playing her beloved instruments in College for the Hilltoppers marching band. In 1957, Connie transferred to Michigan State University to study Nursing, and so began the “Spartan years,” that would be some of the best of her life. While at Michigan State, Connie met her husband Keith during her last year on campus, and the two would later marry in June of 1961 at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan. Connie and Keith were both avid Michigan State Football and Basketball fans and would attend countless tailgates and games over the years. Connie’s sons would joke with her about being the “President de Facto” of the Izz-zone (Southern Chapter).
Connie began her nursing career as an RN at Henry Ford Hospital, in Detroit Michigan, and enjoyed learning the hands-on practice of nursing while she was there. After marrying Keith, Connie would join him in Columbus Ohio, at Ohio State University, where he was obtaining his master’s degree. Following OSU, the two would settle in Midland, Michigan, where Keith began working for Dow Chemical. Keith and Connie would eventually move back to Charlotte in 1969, and Connie would continue her Nursing career at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Ultimately, Connie would finish her career as a Hospital Administrator, as the Director of Nurses at Hayes Green Beach, retiring from that position in 1985. Connie loved being a part of the Charlotte community, and over the years would become a member of many volunteer organizations, and groups. Women’s Club of Charlotte, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mobile Meals, as well as a contributor to the ongoing donor funding for Hayes Green Beach Hospital.
Connie, alongside Keith would enjoy many years of traveling with their life-long friends, Larry and Sonnie Cody of Charlotte. The Bazaire’s and Cody’s would spend many wonderful years travelling to Maui, Hawaii, and built a lifetime of memories on the Island. Inspired by Keith’s private pilot flying lessons, Connie would join him in the process of obtaining her own pilot’s license shortly after Keith earned his “wings” in 1988.
Later in life, after her three sons began their own journeys, she would rediscover her love for playing cards (most notably Bridge). She cherished her time with the bridge club that would gather at Evelyn Bay Coffee shop in downtown Charlotte.
Throughout the years, Connie enjoyed giving back to the community of Charlotte, her time spent with her children and grandchildren, nurturing local friendships, and staying involved at her church and hospital. Connie will be missed by many. She had a great sense of humor, a giving nature, and tremendous strength as a mother of three boys.
Connie is survived by her eldest son, Jeffrey; son, Kevin; and son, Michael (Erron Sparks); grandchildren, Allison Bazaire (Bill), Carter Bazaire (Lincy), Ty Pion (Kristin), Brooke Miller (Daniel); great-grandchild Hazel. Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; father, Theo; mother, Atha; sister, Carol Carter (Gray); father-in-law, Henry Bazaire; and mother-in-law, Wilma Bazaire.
Family and friends are encouraged to support Connie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, Michigan, Summer 2024. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.