Connie Roux

Constance (“Connie”) Elaine Roux, née Kensicki, of Savoy, IL passed away on September 3rd, 2026, at the age of 85. Connie was born on October 27, 1940, in Rockford, IL to Henry and Jeanette Kensicki née Zielinski. Connie grew up in Dekalb, IL prior to attending the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where she met her husband, Don. Connie and Don were married on August 5, 1961, raising their sons Michael and Patrick in Park Forest, IL before relocating to Savoy, IL for their retirement years. Connie is survived by her husband, Don Roux, her sisters Kathi Balaban and Cammy Seamans (Gary), and her brother Michael Kensicki. Connie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Peter Kensicki (Karen). Connie is also survived by her two sons Michael Roux (Stacey) and Patrick Roux (Maryline), and her six grandchildren Alex Roux (Erika), Erin Roux, Matthew Roux, Cheyn Roux (Shelby), Tevenn Roux, and Donovan Roux. Connie earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, and earned her Master’s degree in Health Administration from Governor’s State University. After marriage, Connie was a substitute teacher and dental assistant, and supported her sons’ athletic endeavors in basketball, baseball, and football. During her retirement, Connie enjoyed going to Illinois men’s and women’s basketball games at the State Farm Center, taking classes at OLLI of Illinois, and working at the University Student Union bookstore.

Connie was a life-long learner, and she was unafraid to try her hand at new disciplines. Connie developed skills as a genealogist, photographer, painter, stained glass artisan, and bonsai artist. She was a voracious reader across fiction and non-fiction, was open to all possibilities and would not discount what she could not explain. Connie and Don travelled across the United States, visiting 48 of the 50 States, and visiting 30+ countries while travelling independently, on tours and on cruises. Connie was an advocate for informed health and previously volunteered at Aunt Martha’s Youth Services in Park Forest, IL.

Connie loved to see her grandchildren grow and develop. She was deeply involved in their lives and took great pleasure in seeing them barefoot in creeks, making a mess with cutout cookies, and watching them jump from the couch into a pile of cushions tossed on the floor. Connie supported and encouraged the dreams of her children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed.

Connie bravely endured two battles with breast cancer, facing both of those challenges with a positive attitude, perseverance, and a sense of humor.

The family will have a small, private celebration of her life.

The family would also like to thank the hospice nurses and social workers at Carle Hospice, and the individuals who spent their overnights for the past 14 months caring for Connie and supporting her needs.

If interested, donations may be made in Connie’s name to:

Salvation Army

2212 N Market

Champaign, IL 61822

Eastern Illinois Food Bank

2405 N Shore Dr

Urbana, IL 61802

Please join Connie's family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820.