Was called home to be with the Lord the evening of June 2, 2003. She was 86. Her death was sudden and a surprise to her family. Constance will be remembered as being energetic, warmhearted and always ready to pray. Her long-term relationship with the Lord had produced a peaceful disposition, a cheerful attitude, and a love of prayer and the Word. She was ready to meet her judge, knowing that the moment she was absent from her body she would be at rest in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).
Constance was born July 21, 1916 in White Rock, British Columbia. Her parents were Abel Emil Dupraz and Jeanne Dupraz (nee Rieu-Casteilla). They had immigrated to Canada in 1909. At one time, her father had built or worked on virtually all the buildings in White Rock. Constance finished high school in Vancouver, B.C. and was a noted saltwater swimmer, winning numerous trophies. She was briefly on the Canadian woman's basketball team. Constance then worked at the League of Nations office in Toronto. When she immigrated to the United States during World War II she became an editor of an Arizona newspaper (until the troops came home.). She moved to Hollywood and found work as a secretary for a well known celebrity. During this time her life was changed forever by reading the Bible. When she read the Gospel of John, she came to know Jesus as the living God. She faithfully followed Him the rest of her life.
Constance worked with the Child Evangelism ministry and began leading children to Christ. She met Jacob Tollefsen at Dr. Vernon McGee's Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles and married him in Santa Barbara on March 31, 1948. She was instrumental in inspiring her husband to attend Dallas Seminary and at various times served as a pastor's wife. She set out to raise children, show hospitality, and serve whenever possible. Throughout much of her life Constance enjoyed painting, producing various oil and acrylic works. She bore four boys of whom she was proud: David, a computer engineer and software programmer; Philip, a sound engineer for live broadcast sports and skilled photographer; Stephen, a securities lawyer; and John, a lawyer and Th.D. student. She has nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Constance was a source of inspiration and challenge to her friends and family in her desire that they know and walk with the Lord as she did.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on June 29 at Mukilteo Christian Assembly, 1107-2nd, Mukilteo, Washington 98275. Memorial gifts may be given to Dallas Theological Seminary, Accounting Department, 3909 Swiss Ave. Dallas, TX 75204; Child Evangelism Fellowship, PO Box 348, Warrenton, MO 63383-0348; or Thru the Bible Radio Network, PO Box 7100, Pasadena, CA 91109.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones." Psalm 116:15