Constance (Connie) Alice Hopkins-Mattlage, age 67, of Springfield Missouri, passed away in Springfield on September 29 ^th , 2021 following a short illness. Connie was born December 19 ^th , 1953 in Claremont New Hampshire to John and Eugenia Hopkins.

Connie is survived by her sister, Vicki; brothers, John and Mark Hopkins; niece, Brooke Devincent; and nephews, Michael and Joel Hopkins.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eugenia Hopkins; and her husband of 26 years, Scott Mattlage who left us on August 23, 2021.

Connie was a 1971 graduate of the New London High School in New London, CT. and she received her Bachelor of Arts in 1975 from Eastern Connecticut State University.

Connie's family and friends will tell you that "To know Connie was to love her, and to be known to her was to be loved by her.". Connie turned her sights to see the beauty in things and sought to share love with others to make the world a more vibrant place. She carried with her a strong conviction of what was good in the world and was relentless in her efforts to nurture the best in others. Connie loved her garden and was known to share the harvest with all those around her and what an apt metaphor for her life that was. Tending patiently and out of love, Connie worked with youth offenders to help support and bring out the best harvest in their lives. With the trained eyes of an artist, the gentle hands of a gardener and the generous heart of a servant few could escape the love Connie already had planned for them. Her fertile heart, sense of beauty and helping hands will most certainly be missed.

Connie has been interred at Hazelwood cemetery in Springfield MO.

A joint memorial service for both Connie and Scott will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on October 30 ^th 2021 at 1:30 P.M. A joint celebration of life will follow immediately after at The Old Glass Place at 521 E St. Louis St, Springfield, MO 65806 from 2:30 to 4:30.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Springfield Missouri Museum Association (SMMA), 1111 E. Brookside Dr, Springfield Missouri 65807.