Connie Jean Halldorson

A voracious reader, green thumb gardener and remarkably accomplished electrical engineer  who was deeply devoted to her family, Connie Jean (Mitchell) Halldorson passed away on  August 25, 2023. 

Born on November 21, 1943, in Macon, Ga., the petite, blond-haired beauty had navy-hued  eyes and a wicked sense of humor. She moved around a lot as a child before settling down in  Grand Junction, Colo.  

Her intelligence was obvious from a very young age, and Connie grew into a pleasantly  eccentric woman whom many people described as the smartest person they knew. 

Highly motivated to take care of her family, she went back to college in her late 30s and became  an electrical engineer at Martin Marietta (later Lockheed Martin), where she supported historic  projects that included the Galileo probe to Jupiter and the Mars Global Surveyor mission.  

Colleagues remember Connie’s brilliant intellect, warm personality that smoothed tensions  during stressful times, and contribution to countless projects of global significance, from  interplanetary missions to space-based missile defense to (confidential) Cold War maneuvers. 

A devoted and generous friend, sister, mother and grandmother, she was very involved in the  lives of those she loved, always showing up for important life events and activities. Quick to  laugh with a rapier wit, she had a way with words and gave invaluable advice. 

Connie thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from other countries and cultures and learning all  about their ways of life. Music was another lifelong passion, and she had an ear for classical  tunes, particularly Mozart and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. 

Though she loved her career, she retired early to spend more time with her family, explore her  extensive home library (in which she read every last book) and work in her verdant, perpetually in-bloom garden. From one end to the other, the paradisiacal, three-and-a-half acre property  was covered with trees, flowers, rock gardens, a flagstone patio and trails that branched off to  other oases. Some years, she even planted vegetables that added color to the family fridge. 

Connie is survived by her son John Christopher Halldorson; daughter Tanya Lynn (Halldorson)  Hyden; granddaughters Casey Jean Hyden and Emma Rachel Hyden; sister Mary Kay  (Mitchell) Agusta and brother John Compton Mitchell. 

She was predeceased by her father Cheney Compton Mitchell, her mother Dorothy Jean  (Kinnick) Mitchell and her sister Susan Lynn Mitchell. 

Connie was a singular soul who made immense contributions to the welfare of the world and,  just as importantly, to the wellbeing of the loved ones in her life. Her bright laughter will echo on  eternally, and her sweet spirit will never be forgotten.

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