Lasting Memories
(Constance) Connie Barthold
May 18, 1935-Feb. 11, 2014
Atherton, California
Connie Barthold, age 78, passed away on February 11, 2014. Connie was born May 18, 1935 in Los Angeles, California, a second generation Californian with roots reaching back to the first European arrivers of the United States.
She grew up in Davis California, attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority. She married and left college to start her family, whom she raised as a single mother in Woodside, CA. Connie graduated from the San Jose State University, and went on to have a career in recipe development with the California Cling Peach, Avocado, and Olive advisory boards. After the passing of her second husband, Howard J Ringold, Connie slipped on a rug at a dinner party and was caught in the arms of Edward Barthold, who married, adored, and cherished her for over 25 years of very happy marriage.
Connie never met a person who was not her friend. She drank 2 Pepsis a day, was an avid reader, loved a good party, and spent her time divided between her homes in Atherton and Lake Tahoe, as well as travelling the Earth.
Connie is survived by her husband Edward Barthold, her children Christine Ryland (David), Leslie Stepp (Mark), James Stutsman, and Holly Sichel (Rodney), as well as her Step-Children Gordon Ringold (Tanya), and Jeffery David Ringold; Her sisters Martha Shelp, Ann Boulware; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In lieu of donations, it was Connie?s wish that you surprise a friend with an unexpected gift.
Feb. 26, 2014
When I first met Connie 42 years ago (through a mutual friend) she was already going to San Jose State and had direction and focus for her life. I needed that and she was such an encouraging example and inspiration to see "what is possible". She was a wonderful person to spend time with no matter what the occasion--there was joy, love and great fun and something really interesting to do--plays, operas, music, and also to learn from. I always felt treasured to be her friend and be able to share and know she cared deeply. I believe she lived her life fully, involved where ever she could be and making a difference in that time and space. I will miss her so very much but oh so many precious memories--Christmas Eve and caroling in the neighborhood, and coming in to the warmth of the friends and family that had gathered around. I have to smile.
Feb. 23, 2014
The number of people who my Mother influenced and touched were too many to count. Her work at the International Center assisting with the 'English In Action' program was a perfect example about someone who had international respect. Ever since I was a small child, I was aware of this and it helped shape my endless curiosity about Anthropology and especially Ethnomusicology, which came in handy as I was developing my skills as a musician and helped me forge friendships around the world. I was never discouraged from playing music and in fact was encouraged to keep my ears and mind open to how others in the world thought...for that I am eternally grateful. I will miss her dearly for this and many other countless reasons. RIP Mom.
Feb. 21, 2014
I had the great pleasure of sitting on the San Mateo County Community College Foundation Board with Connie for several years which we both supported. At a dinner with her husband and her, I learned that we also both were supporters of the San Mateo County Historical Association. Connie was a delight to work with, she left her mark on the above organizations and we will all miss her. Please accept my condolences. Ken
Feb. 21, 2014
She was a super friend. The most compassionate person I ever knew. Education was special to her and she helped many less fortunate than she. I was the friend on whose rug she slipped and then fell into Dr. Ed Barthold's ready arms. Adieu dearie
Feb. 21, 2014
Connie cared deeply about young people and wanted to do everything she could to ensure for them educational opportunity that would empower them to be all they could be. Her love for people, especially struggling young people, was a powerful force for good; for a great many individuals she was a transformative force that enriched their lives profoundly, and then quite naturally the lives of their children and their children's children. Who she was and what she did lives through and with all of them.