Constance "Connie" Ann Henricks October 8, 1956 - June 20, 2009Connie Henricks, 52, went to be with our Lord Saturday after 11 years of aggressive treatment for breast cancer that metastasized to her bones in 2004, then to her liver and lungs in 2008, all the while relying on God's strength and promises.Connie was born in Portland to Larry and Ann Brecht. Connie came to know the Lord through her grandmother, Ruth Brecht, during one of her summer visits in California while in grade school. She attended Lincoln High School and was a varsity swimmer all four years. Connie graduated from Oregon State University in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. While at OSU Connie met her husband Ed and the two were married July 1, 1978. Connie and Ed moved to Dallas where she taught for four years at Lyle Elementary School prior to the birth of their first child.Connie was active in church serving as Sunday school superintendent, deaconess and wedding coordinator at the Dallas Presbyterian church. At North Albany Community Church she was deaconess chair of women's ministry, vacation Bible school assistant director and craft coordinator. Connie served on the board of directors for Challenge Ministries International, volunteered at the Oregon Breast and Cervical Center, tutored students, was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Membership Marshall and Legacy coordinator of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and worked part time in the elementary office at Santiam Christian School. She held a week long cousin camp in the summer during vacation Bible school for all of her nieces and nephews to attend and encourage their growth in the Lord and with each other.Connie was a dedicated mother who instilled and emulated Christ's love daily throughout her life. She enjoyed hosting activities and made every event memorable. She made everyone feel welcome, important and loved. Connie had the ability to make you feel better after a brief visit and was a friend to many. Her strong desire was to have her children know and accept the Lord at an early age so they could have a long joy filled life walking in God's foot steps.Connie is survived by her husband, Ed Henricks; four children, Christopher and Rachel Henricks of Albany, John and Roslyn Henricks of Mossy Rock, Wash., Edward Henricks of Albany, and Victoria Henricks of Albany; parents Larry and Ann Brecht of Portland; sisters Sandy and husband John Cole, and Kris and husband Randy Pierce; brother Doug and wife Christine Brecht; and seven nieces and nephews.A service to celebrate Connie's life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Albany Assembly of God Church, 2817 Santiam Highway S.E. Tax deductible contributions in her memory may be made to Santiam Christian School for the Connie Henricks Scholarship fund to help with student tuition or the Albany Evergreen Hospice Organization.AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements. ( www.aasum-dufour.com )