Branchburg, NJ- Constance "Connie" (Cortese) Szefczek, 82, entered into eternal life on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Rehab at River's Edge in Raritan, NJ. Born in Newark, NJ daughter of the late Daniel and Josephine (Dispenza) Cortese, she was a resident of Raritan for thirty-four years before settling in Branchburg.

Connie was a homemaker who took great pride in caring for family. She had a passion for politics and opera, performing with Opera Theater of New Jersey as a young wife and mother.

Besides her parents, Connie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Peter J. Szefczek in 1995 and her brother, Mario N. Cortese.

Connie is survived by her loving family; daughter, Mary Bailey of Tabernacle, NJ, sons, Joseph Sanders of Branchburg, and Stephen Sanders of Belmar, NJ; dear siblings, G.M. "Geri" Cortese of Branchburg and Vincent F. Cortese of Southampton, NJ; and three cherished grandchildren, Michael, Hannah and Rachel.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887 on Sunday, September 27 from 2-6 p.m. and on Monday, September 28 from 9:30-10:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 28 at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Paul Baumberger officiating. Committal words and interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Raritan.