Constance “Connie” Joan Ludlum

Constance “Connie” Joan Ludlum, age 85, of Merrimac, WI, passed away on August 28, 2025, at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital Baraboo with her two beloved granddaughters on each side of her, while holding both of their hands. She was born on July 22, 1940, in DeKalb, IL, the daughter of Betty & Kauno Wuori. She graduated in 1962 from Cook County School of Nursing in Chicago, which began her extensive nursing career. 

Over the years, Connie was a dedicated nurse at Cook County Hospital, Oakleaf Nursing Home, Attic Angel, & Maplewood. She proudly ended her nursing career as a charge nurse at Maplewood & became a screener during the pandemic. She may have had only one leg to stand on, but that never stopped her from doing what she loved. 

She was united in marriage to Russell Ludlum on November 17, 1962 & together they had 5 sons & 1 daughter. Connie became a widow unexpectedly on February 2, 1988. Connie suffered many tragedies in her lifetime, including the loss of 2 babies a few days after birth, her son Dan at the age of 36, & her left leg at the age of 79. 

She enjoyed reading & writing while overlooking Lake Wisconsin, going to theaters for plays, hosting friends & family, especially her 4th of July & Christmas Eve parties, spending time with her 2 granddaughters who were the light of her life & of course, her 5 PM garage beers with her dear neighbor Jon & family. 

Even in her final moments, Connie was the strongest person with the best sense of humor that could make you smile even on your worst day. She was the definition of a fighter & her strength was truly inspiring. 

Connie is survived by her children, Russ (Linda), Mark (Vicky Wilcox), & Kevin Ludlum; her granddaughters, Marisa (Jason Lazenby) & Ashley; her brother Jerry (Gayle) Wuori; her nephew, Wester (Jen) Wuori, niece, Claire (Tom) Carlson; great nephew Alex & great nieces Kristen & Macy. She is further survived by numerous friends that she considered family & former coworkers that held a special place in her heart. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; her parents; her two infant children, Timothy & Mary; her son Dan; precious dog Lucy; & many dear friends.  

A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a funeral service starting at 11:00 AM on September 4th, 2025, at Hooverson Funeral Home Sauk City, WI. 

Connie’s family would like to say a special thank you to St. Clare Hospital & staff for all of their care & compassion they provided Connie throughout the last few years, especially during her final days, as well as the village of people who helped Connie live her life to the fullest. 

“It’s not how long you live, it’s how wide you lived”. Connie did just that.

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