Obituary for Connie Jewel Pursch Rakowitz

Connie Jewel Pursch Rakowitz, born August 17, 1935, in Charlotte, Texas, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026. She was the daughter of Worley and Essie Bowren and grew up in Charlotte, where she attended school and formed lifelong connections with her community.

At a young age, Connie fell in love with Wallace Pursch. The two married and made their home in the Charlotte area, raising three children—Robert, Alice, and Dora. Connie devoted herself to being a homemaker while Wallace worked in the oilfield. Once her children were all in school, Connie began working in the school cafeteria, a job she enjoyed because it allowed her to be close to her kids during the day.

In 1976, Wallace passed away. After his death, Connie moved to Pleasanton to be near more of her family. With her children grown, she continued her life of service by working in nursing homes, caring for others with the same compassion she showed her own family.

In 1979, Connie was introduced to Pete Rakowitz of Poteet. Their bond was immediate, and they soon realized they were meant to share their lives. Connie and Pete married in October of 1980, and she moved to Pete’s farm, where she embraced country life wholeheartedly. She loved taking care of Pete, helping with farm chores, and could often be seen riding beside him on the tractor as he plowed the fields. Together, they cherished time with their children and volunteered to babysit their grandchildren as much as possible, always eager to be part of their lives. Connie and Pete were active members of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, contributing their time and energy to the church picnic for many years. After Pete passed away in 2015, Connie remained determined to keep the farm going, continuing to raise cattle with the support of her children.

Connie is survived by her son Robert Pursch; daughters Alice Parker (Bill), and Dora Loughan (Pat); grandchildren Kathy Pursch Cornforth (Carrie), Dean Parker (Angel), Dale Loughan, Cassie Bouchillon (Brenton). She is also survived by her great‑grandchildren Jason and Kaede Parker, Robert Cornforth, and Kinsey and Laney Bouchillon, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her first husband Wallace Pursch; her second husband Pete Rakowitz; her parents Worley and Essie Bowren; her brothers Bill, Bruce, Jay, and Leroy; and her sisters Bobbie, Gwen, Charlotte, and Patricia; and her daughters-in-laws Sharon and Nancy Pursch.

Family was the heart of Connie’s life. She reminded those she loved to “hug one another” a phrase that will continue to echo in the memories of all who knew her.

Services are scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026 in the Hurley Funeral Home chapel, staring with a visitation at 10:00 am followed by a funeral services at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery #1.