Connie Pepper June 13, 2015

Connie Pepper, beloved wife, sister, friend, and stepmother, passed away at home June 12, 2015.      She was born to William and Alice Pepper in Woodstock, IL on July 20, 1941.  She attended schools in northern Illinois, then Iowa State University where she graduated in 1963 with a degree in home economics.  After college, Connie moved to Cincinnati to work for Proctor & Gamble at the Ivorydale Center.  Cincinnati was her adopted, much-loved home for the past 52 years.   She earned an MBA degree from Xavier University in 1981 and also worked for Federated Department Stores.  Her final career was with GE Capital, and her retirement “career” was as a temporary worker with a very favorite receptionist position at UC Early Learning Center.  Connie married John Buturain in 1989; he preceded her in death in July 2013. Together they made music, shared families and had wonderful times.

Always active, Connie was an avid tennis player.  She was for many years a member of Hyde Park Tennis Club and recently authored a book on the club’s history for its 100th anniversary.  She was a lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  She volunteered for many local organizations including the MEAC food pantry.  She enjoyed music, playing flute and singing alto.  She loved travel and in the past year had visited Spain, Portugal, San Diego, and Los Angeles.  She was an archivist and engaged member of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 2944 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati where a memorial service will be held on June 20 at 11 am.  A lunch reception for all will follow at the church.

Connie was devotedly cared for by her 4 siblings and 4 stepchildren and by a group of the most loyal and giving friends both recent and longtime during her final months of life.  Betsy Babb, Rev. Mike Smith, and others of the Redeemer Family shared in her care.  She is survived by sisters Polly Simmons (Tom) of Kokomo, IN; Nancy Moser (Steve) of Urbana, IL; Marian Milling (Tom) of Chico, CA, and by her brother and sister-in-law, Alan  Pepper (Claire), Aurora, IL.  Nine nieces and nephews also survive.  John’s children, so precious to Connie, are Mark Buturain, Cincinnati; Dr. Leah Buturain Schneider (Ed) of Los Angeles, CA; Linda Buturian (Jeff Larson), of Milaca, MN; JD Sebastian (Giovanni) of Los Angeles, CA.  Audrey, Frances, Samuel, Isaac, and Clare are her cherished grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH, 45263.