Constance Lee (Gladish) Every

Constance Lee (Gladish) Every, known as “Connie,” passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 19, 2017, following a difficult and valiant battle against sarcoma cancer. Connie is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, Rodney Every; mother Ethel Gladish and sister Gwen (Wes) Palmer of Austin, Texas; daughter Jodi Clayton and granddaughter Autumn of Camarillo, California; daughter Sonya Clayton (Ele Watkins) and grandkids Rileigh and Tanner; son Cadge (Liisa) Clayton and grandkids Einie, Daana, and Haley of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; as well as a large extended family. Connie was born on September 19, 1951 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee but grew up, lived, worked, and was a fixture in Goleta. She was a 1969 graduate of Dos Pueblos High School. Connie worked many jobs while raising her kids, but it was 35 years ago that she found her true calling–driving a school bus for Goleta Union School district. Connie took a personal interest in the students on her bus and became friends with many of their families. Before she retired she was transporting kids and grandkids of the first kids she had driven years before. Connie loved doing the SAFE RIDE program for Kinders, but she mostly loved transporting the special-needs kids. Connie was a very active member of the CSEA union (twice Chapter President, VP, and Secretary). She served on several committees at the state level including the scholarship committee. With her contagious smile Connie brought joy to many. If you knew Connie and had a baby it is likely that you have one of her lovingly crocheted baby blankets–each one unique. A Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held on Saturday December 9th from 2-4pm at the Goleta Union School District Office in the Board Room. 401 N Fairview Avenue. In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of Connie can be made to the Food Bank of Santa Barbara.