Constance Lynn Van Dyk, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend, joined our heavenly father on January 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. She was 79 years old.

Born on August 23, 1945, in Coronado, California, to Herbert and Frances Tolbert, Connie moved with her family to Oak Harbor in 1955, where she would spend most of her life. She married her high school sweetheart, Mike Sullivan, in 1963, and together they created a beautiful life and family.

Connie dedicated 25 years of her life to the Oak Harbor School District, most notably as the Principal’s Secretary, where her warmth and dedication made a lasting impact on students, teachers, and staff.

As a loving mother and grandmother, Connie’s greatest joy came from her family. She was the glue that held everyone together, always hosting family gatherings with open arms and a warm heart. She was a fierce cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, offering them love and encouragement in all their endeavors.

Connie had a zest for life that was contagious. She loved to travel, go on cruises, and sunbathe in Hawaii with her friends, Mike & Mary Rodgers. Her daily long walks along the waterfront, shopping, and coffee dates with friends were some of the many simple pleasures that brought her happiness.

A founding member of the Whidbey Presbyterian Church, Connie was involved in many facets of church life over the years, and her faith was an integral part of her being. Her gentle and loving spirit was a beacon of light, and her smile had the power to brighten any room.

After the passing of her husband, Mike, Connie found love again with former classmate Gerry (aka “Dyk”) Van Dyk. They reconnected, fell in love, and were married in a beautiful ceremony they shared with lifelong family and friends. They built a lovely home with spectacular views of Saratoga Passage, Mt. Baker and enjoyed breathtaking sunrises together.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer, Connie’s joy for life never wavered, and her spirit remained as radiant as ever. Connie’s unexpected passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She was a woman full of life, love, and boundless generosity, and she will be missed more than words can express.

Connie was preceded in death by her father “Red” Tolbert & first husband, Michael Sullivan. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gerald Van Dyk; her mother, Frances Schultz; her sister, Jan Haynes (Jim); daughters, Kimberly Olsen and Kelly Leckelt(Kent); grandchildren, Lacy Daniels (Mike), Vanessa Mullis (Camden), and Caden Leckelt; great-grandchild, Jack Daniels; and nephew, Zachary Haynes & great niece Hartley Haynes, as well as numerous stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at 1:00pm at the Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor on Saturday January 25th.

Connie’s love and light will continue to live on in all the lives she touched. She was taken from us too soon, but her spirit will forever guide and inspire us.