Cornelia “Connie” Fay Brown Kridler

Cornelia “Connie” Fay Brown Kridler, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on June 10, 2023, at the age of 86. She was born on December 6, 1936, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Thomas Clement and Fay Ellen Kaler Brown. Connie was a dedicated, hard working lady who touched the lives of many with her kind-hearted nature and unwavering love for her family and friends. She will forever be remembered for her warm smile, gentle spirit and genuine care she showed for everyone she encountered. Throughout her life, Connie was a dedicated wife and partner to her husband of 42 years, Randle Eugene “Poochy” Kridler. Together, they built a strong and welcoming home filled with love and laughter. Connie's devotion to her family was unmatched, and her unwavering support and guidance were always present. She leaves behind a family who adored her, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Connie graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1954. After completing her undergraduate education at the University of Texas and then graduate degree from Southwest Texas State University, she embarked on a career as a dedicated Elementary PE teacher, where she taught students in Gonzales ISD for 30 years. She retired in 1994 after 35 total years of teaching, with a career spanning the Flour Bluff, Shiner and Gonzales Independent School Districts. Connie's commitment to education and her ability to inspire those around her earned her the admiration and respect of both her colleagues and students. Over the years, Connie was actively involved in various organizations. She was a dedicated member of Saint James Catholic Church and served as an officer in the Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Retired Teachers of America, Eastern Star and Earth Angels Quilting Group. After her retirement, she spent as much time as she could with her grandchildren, teaching them to sew, make bread, play solitaire and work on crossword puzzles. Connie's warm and welcoming smile made her an instant friend to all who crossed her path. She had a deep love for her family, cherishing every moment spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and the importance of family bonds. Connie is survived by her three children, Mary Ellen Erwin and husband, Scott; Gene Kridler and wife, Jackie; Joseph Kridler and wife, Lawren; her grandchildren, Kaler Shultz, Hannah Erwin, Maren Erwin and Warner Erwin Jr.; Gena Bennett, Amelia Kloesel and Trey Kridler; Dylan Gomez, Brandan Gomez and Ryan Kridler; her great-grandchildren, Heidi Kridler, Adalynn Kloesel, Kensley Long and Olivia Bennett; and her dear sister, Mary Frances Kingsbury; her nephews, Thomas Kingsbury, Tony Kingsbury and Arthur Kingsbury. Preceding her in death were her husband, Poochy Kridler, her parents, her infant brother, Francis, her brother-in-law, Rod Kingsbury and her nephew, Charles Kingsbury. Visitation will be held at Seydler Hill Funeral Home on Thursday, June 15, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary following. A funeral mass will be held at Saint James Catholic Church on Friday, June 16, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Hermann Sons Cemetery, and a luncheon will be held at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Saint James Catholic Daughters. Pallbearers include Trey Kridler, Warner Erwin Jr., Maren Erwin, Dylan Gomez, Brandan Gomez and Ryan Kridler. Honorary pallbearers are Thomas Kingsbury, Tony Kingsbury, Arthur Kingsbury, Kaler Shultz, Hannah Erwin, Gena Bennett and Amelia Kloesel. Although our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in the knowledge that our beloved Nana is now reunited with her loved ones who went before her. Her spirit will continue to inspire us, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts. May her soul find eternal peace. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.