Constance A. French

Constance A. (Biglin) French, age 81, of O'Neill, passed away Friday, April 1, 2005.

A wake service was held from 48 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2005, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at St. Patrick's Church in O'Neill. Rev. Eric Olsen officiated the service. Music was provided by soloist, John Madsen, accompanied by organist, Jean McIntosh.

Pallbearers were James McCarville, Don Caouette, Dr. M.J. Kersenbrock, Wayne Gaughenbaugh, Joe Krotter and Gary Connot. Honorary pallbearers were Marilyn Mattern, Vivian Melena, Barbara Clements, Ruth McCarville, Pattie Devoy; Pauline Thompson, Lois Schaafer, America Young, Sue Symonds, Mary Ann Rasmussen, Karen Sholes, Carol Edwards, Dian Edwards, Mary Ann Coupland, Jeanne Gonderinger, Cecila Bazelman and Helen Bohn.

Interment was held at the O'Neill Cemetery, where she was laid to rest beside her beloved husband Dale French:

Biglin's Mortuary, Inc. of O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Concy was born Feb. 25, 1924, to a prominent pioneer family of O'Neill led by Francis Joseph Biglin and Constance Fortunata (Adams) Biglin. She married Dale French on June 1, 1946. To this union five children were born.

She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1941. After graduation she spent time working for Stout Drug Store in O'Neill saving money while waiting to meet the age requirements for acceptance into nurses training at St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa. Concy was class president her senior year and after graduation in 1945 went to work at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln as a R.N. supervisor. After being married and residing in Lincoln, Dale and Concy returned to O'Neill in 1947 where she continued her nursing career at St. Anthony's Hospital. As she began her family Concy took time away from nursing to raise her five children and to support their numerous school and sporting activities. She returned to the work force as a mental health counselor showing her true passion for helping others. She enjoyed family, friends, playing bridge, fishing, antique collecting, working crossword puzzles and above all, life's daily surprises.

Concy was a devoted wife and a passionate, loving and caring person. She dedicated her life to her being a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Concy is survived by her children, Joan and husband Mike Shefl of Blair, Tim and wife Trisha French of Omaha, Frank French of Minneapolis, MN, Steve French of Omaha, and Connie and husband Fred Krotter of O'Neill; sister, Alice Earley and husband Jim of O'Neill; 10 grandchildren;. and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; brothers, Dr. Bob Biglin and Joe Biglin; and sisters, Betty Curtis and Jean Zastrow.

Memorials should be directed to O'Neill Friends of the Library or to the family.