Constance Joan Gillen (née Kachurak), known to friends and family as Connie, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026 in her home in Highlands Ranch, CO, surrounded by family and love.

Connie was born on June 25, 1940 to Mary (née Cuttic) and John Kachurak. She spent her childhood years in Elizabeth, NJ, where she met John Gillen, the love of her life and her husband of nearly 52 years, who had grown up just down the street.

After marrying, John and Connie lived for several years in Roselle Park, NJ. In 1969 they built their family home in Warren, NJ, where they raised their two children and where Connie lived for 45 years. During much of that time, Connie worked as an administrative assistant and event planner, bringing dedication and care to her work. In later years, she spent nearly nine years residing in Westfield, NJ, before relocating to Highlands Ranch, CO in 2023 to be closer to her children and grandson. Each place she called home reflected her deep commitment to family and her gift for creating a warm, welcoming environment.

Connie was known for her independent spirit, generosity, and devotion to her family. Throughout her life, she took pleasure in many interests, including sewing, drag racing, skiing, and horseback riding. She also had a keen eye for fashion and home design, and enjoyed a range of live theater and music, including Broadway shows, opera, ballet, and rock n’ roll concerts where she was always ready to dance. An avid traveler, Connie visited most of the fifty U.S. states and six of the world’s continents. For many years, she cherished spending spring months in Bonita Springs, FL. Above all, she treasured time spent with family, especially at her part-time residence in Dillon, CO.

Connie is survived by her children, John Gillen II of Highlands Ranch, CO and Allison Gillen (Eric Janssen) of Jackson, WY, as well as her grandson, Jack Gillen, and her NJ family, including sister Lorre Korecky (Edward) and nieces, Kelly Ross (Jake) and Jennifer Madden (Greg), and five grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband John Gillen (d. 2011).

Although faced in later years with numerous health challenges, Connie demonstrated remarkable strength, grace, and resilience, meeting each day with courage, determination and gratitude for the full life she led.

The Gillen family is planning a private memorial service to be held at a later date.

Connie will be remembered for her love and warmth, and will be deeply missed by her family and loved ones.

Those wishing to honor Connie’s memory may consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org/campaign/754697/donate).