Connie's obituary

Connie Rae Vallejo (Grove), of Fresno, California, left this world on September 6, 2026, after a lifetime of fighting for the people she loved. Born in Visalia, California, on February 15, 1957, Connie lived a story all her own, one with chapters full to the brim.

More than anything, Connie was proud of her family. As a single mother for most of her life, she worked hard to provide for her children and carried that weight without ever complaining. She watched her kids make some bad choices along the way, but she never once stopped loving them. That was Connie; her love did not come with conditions.

Nobody could match her attractiveness or her stubbornness, and both were legendary. She was infectious when she was on, the kind of presence that lit up a room, and when she was off, well, you learned to watch out. That was part of her charm too.

Connie never gave up. She was a fighter to the very end, and she taught her family that nothing in this life comes easy, that the world will not hand you a smooth road. One of her favorite sayings said it best: "You have to laugh to keep from crying." Thank you, Mama, for teaching us how to fight.

Connie is survived by her brother, Phillip Grove; her sons, Michael Grove (Jennifer), Daniel Hernandez (Diana), and Gabriel Hernandez (Kimberly); her daughter, Angelique Hernandez; her grandchildren, Aaron Arguijo, Joshua Grove, Clayton Grove, Rayleigh Grove, Kayla Shelton, Alyssa Hernandez, Savannah Hernandez, and Nathaniel Rivera; and her great-granddaughter, Gabriella Gaytan.

We wish the last chapter of your life on this earth had not been filled with so much pain. But we take comfort knowing you accepted Christ into your heart, and that you are now writing more in eternal bliss alongside all who went before you. To borrow the words of a song, "We're learning how to lose you, you're learning how to live."

A celebration of life will be held to honor Connie and the full, unforgettable story she lived. Those who loved her are invited to come and share in her memory.

Rest easy, Mama. You fought a good fight.