EDWARDSBURG, Mich. — Connie L. Emerick-DeFreese, 53, of Edwardsburg, passed away at 5:27 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Elkhart (Ind.) General Hospital, following an extended illness.

She was born July 6, 1961, in Elkhart, to the late Jerry L. and Melba A. (Duncan) McCavitt.

She married Thomas L. DeFreese in Elkhart on Oct. 25, 1985. He survives her at home.

Also surviving are her sons, Travis (Lisa) DeFreese of Morristown, Tenn., and Thomas "Tommy" (Heather Rocha) DeFreese and Robert DeFreese, both of Edwardsburg; brothers James "Chop" Maxon of Michigan and Jerry (Penny Price) McCavitt, Kenneth McCavitt and Roger Presswood, all of Elkhart; sisters Charity Bruggner of Bristol, Ind., Bridgette and Christine McCavitt, both of Elkhart, Sharon McDonald of Union, Tami (Steve Brown) Enochs of Edwardsburg and Shawn of Elkhart; seven grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, David Emerick.

In accordance with Connie's wishes, cremation has taken place. No immediate service has been planned, but a memorial dinner will be in the future.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with arrangements.

Connie was known as the neighborhood mother; she enjoyed helping others whenever she could and prepared large meals that usually fed more than just her own family. A devout Christian lady, she also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, collecting things and spending time with her two dogs, Charlie and Elijah.

Donations may be given to the American Diabetes Association or the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

---