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Constance Maureen (Cullen) Land Pelo
June 19, 1943 – July 10, 2026
Constance Maureen Cullen was born on June 19, 1943, in the Bronx, New York. She grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit Italian and Irish family in the City Island neighborhood, where family, faith, and tradition shaped the woman so many would come to love. After attending St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School on City Island and completing some college in New York, Connie set off for a new chapter in California.
It was there that one of life's happiest twists of fate occurred. The young man Connie was supposed to meet was unexpectedly called back to duty and asked his cousin, Jack Land, to deliver the message. Instead, that chance encounter introduced Connie to the man who would become the love of her life. Connie and Jack began dating and were married on December 23, 1962, in Pasadena, California.
Not long after, they relocated to Colorado, where they built their life and put down deep roots. Connie quickly fell in love with the mountains, and she and Jack spent countless days exploring the state, taking scenic drives, and admiring the Rockies. Together, they raised their two children, Joe and Karen.
While her children were young, Connie worked periodically before finding her professional home in accounting. She spent many dedicated years with Castle Pines Land Development and later with TST Consulting Engineers, where she was widely respected for her reliability, precision, and strong work ethic.
Life became even brighter for Connie when she became a grandmother. She welcomed her first grandson, Carson, followed by Dawson. Nothing meant more to her than watching them grow and being part of everything they were doing. A fiercely proud grandmother, she never missed a school play, hockey game, or baseball game, and she was overjoyed to see both boys graduate from Colorado State University.
After 39 wonderful years of marriage, Connie lost Jack in 2002. While the loss was deeply painful, she moved forward with the characteristic strength and determination that defined her. Connie married Robert “Bob” Pelo in 2009. They enjoyed many years filled with love, laughter, travel, and companionship. They loved exploring new places alongside their beloved Schnauzer, Bentley, who brought them endless joy.
In recent years, her family continued to expand in ways that brought her immense happiness. She developed an especially close relationship with her granddaughter-in-law, Shannah Ward, whom she welcomed into the family with open arms when Shannah and Carson married. Connie also delighted in hearing about Dawson's adventures living in Germany and traveling throughout Europe. She was especially fond of her son-in-law, Guy, and warmly welcomed her daughter-in-law, Kate, happily becoming “Grandma Connie” to Kate's children, Annabelle and Sam.
Through her marriage to Bob, Connie treasured the extended family she gained and was deeply grateful for the warmth and kindness shown to her by his children, Bill, Dan, and Tom, who became an important part of her life. Bob's granddaughter, Cassie, was especially kind to Connie and often brought her son, Isaiah, to visit his “Great” grandparents.
One of Connie's greatest joys was cooking for her family, and nothing made her happier than making spaghetti for everyone she loved. Anyone fortunate enough to enjoy one of her meals will gladly attest that it was beyond delicious. True to her roots, she was famously known for preparing ten times more food than was ever needed, simply because nothing made her happier than having a house full of family and friends sharing stories and laughter together.
Connie was a dedicated member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) for many years. She served as chapter treasurer on multiple occasions, finding great purpose in supporting educational opportunities for young women. Her quiet generosity and willingness to serve were true reflections of her kind heart.
More than anything, Connie had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Even while facing life's tougher seasons with grace and quiet resilience, she never let those challenges define her. She didn't dwell on the hard days; she was too busy looking forward to the next get-together and making sure everyone felt they belonged.
Connie’s family lovingly joked that she had a classic case of “FOMO”(fear of missing out) —she simply refused to miss a single moment of the action. It brings deep comfort, then, to know she was spared the long, drawn-out goodbye she never wanted. While her sudden passing on Friday, July 10, 2026, leaves a quiet space in our hearts, she went quickly and peacefully at home, exactly as she had always hoped. She kept her independence to the very end, never having to worry about declining health keeping her from the moments she loved most.
Connie is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Pelo; her son, Joe (Kate); her daughter, Karen (Guy); her grandsons, Carson (Shannah) and Dawson; her bonus grandchildren, Annabelle and Sam; her brother, Larry Cullen, whose lifelong love and friendship were among her greatest blessings; her sister-in-law, Charlotte Perrin, who became the sister she never had and one of her closest lifelong friends; Bob's children, Bill, Dan (Joni), and Tom (Linda); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Land, and Bob's son, Mike.
She leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
Memorial Service to be held at 11AM on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Drinkwine Family Chapel, 999 W. Littleton Boulevard, Littleton CO 80120.
To honor Connie’s memory, donations may be made to P.E.O. Chapter GZ, an organization that held a special place in her heart.
P.E.O. Chapter GZ
Attn: Jill McNellis
5222 S. Holland St.
Littleton, CO 80123
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