Connie JoAnn Gould

Connie JoAnn (Shaffer) Gould, 66, of Topeka, Kansas, tragically passed away on August 31, 2025, following a car accident. Born on January 29, 1959, in Topeka, she was the beloved daughter of Delmar and Arlene Shaffer.

Family was the heart and center of everything Connie did. She poured her love, energy, and joy into her home and the people she cherished the most, creating countless memories filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support.

Connie is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Doug Gould; her deeply loved children, Grant (Julie) Gould, Travis (Sarah) Gould, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Gould; and her seven adored grandchildren: Cathryn “Catie Bug,” Elliott “E,” Mollee “M&M,” Brock “Little Buddy,” Olivia “Louie,” Blair “Bear,” and Walker “Walker Marshall,” who were the light of her life.

She is also survived by her brothers, Curt (Deb) Shaffer, Clayton Shaffer, and Charles (Karen) Shaffer; her sisters, Carolyn (Dennis) Fisher and Carla Garvin; sister-in-law, Dianna Solie (Tim), brother-in-law, Chuck Gould, special family friend, Jimmy Clark (Karla); and goddaughter, Colby Sue (Shaffer) Roche, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Marshall Gould, whose absence she felt deeply over the last seven years; her parents, Arlene Shaffer and Delmar Shaffer (and his wife, Helen Shaffer); and her brother-in-law, Brian Garvin.

A proud graduate of Highland Park High School in 1977, Connie maintained a lifelong connection with her alma mater and stayed involved throughout her life.

For more than 40 years, Connie operated a home daycare, where she impacted the lives of countless children and families, many of whom became like family to her. Her love for others was clear in everything she did, and she treated everyone she cared for with kindness and patience. She was always quick to lend a hand to those in need and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Connie embraced many children into her heart as her own, including Jason Munoz, Brandi (Munoz) Zirkle, Chad Thompson and Kaley Edwards.

She was actively involved with the Topeka Crochet Guild, the Highland Park High School Alumni Association, the Topeka Chapter of Compassionate Friends and the Shawnee Boat and Ski Club where she spent 40-plus summers enjoying lake days with Doug on their beloved boat, “The Caroline”. The lake was one of her favorite places to be, and those days will be remembered fondly by all who joined her.

An expert in crocheting and knitting, Connie made cherished gifts for family and friends that marked every special occasion and made countless handmade donations to local organizations for those in need, including the Linus Project and the Topeka Tenderheart Project. She loved her “Grandkid Days,” creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren, bunco nights with cherished friends, and eagerly looked forward to her annual trips to New Mexico and Alabama/Pensacola to be with extended family.

As a lifelong supporter of her local teams, Connie’s love for the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washburn Ichabods was evident to anyone who spent time with her. Her energy and passion for these teams were contagious, and her enthusiasm was a constant source of joy for her family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Penwell-Gabel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. A Celebration of her Life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025 at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Connie’s memory to the Highland Park High School Alumni Association C/O Fred Maisberger, 2424 SE California, Topeka, KS 66605 or the Shawnee Boat and Ski Club.

Connie’s legacy of love, laughter, and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will always be remembered for her generosity, warmth, and the deep, positive impact she made on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed, but her memory will remain in our hearts forever.