Connie Jean Eslinger

Connie Jean Eslinger
1948–2026

Connie Jean Eslinger (Donason), a devoted nurse, dedicated mother and strong-willed community volunteer, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 10, 2026 with family by her side. She was 77 years old.

Born August 13, 1948 and raised in Twin Falls, Idaho, Connie’s compassionate spirit was evident early on. At just 14, she began her lifelong career in healthcare as a candy striper at the local hospital. After graduating from Twin Falls High School, she pursued education at Bay City College in San Francisco. Determined to deepen her commitment to caring for others, Connie earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado. Far different from today, to enter the program one had to pass a physical and her class was the first class that allowed male students to attend the nursing program. Passionate about education, she was always attending classes and programs, and while life got in the way, she ended up just two credits shy of her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Connie was a determined nurse, quickly becoming a licensed RN in Colorado, Idaho, California, and Oregon. In 1980, she moved to Coos Bay, where she began working at Bay Area Hospital. She fell in love with the area and called the Oregon Coast home from then on. She continued her work in hospitals, community health programs, and long-term care facilities, touching countless lives in and around Coos County.

Connie also had a gift for finding humor in her work, collecting many wonderful stories from her time in small rural hospitals. One of her favorite memories was discovering she had been designated as the night shift ambulance driver, only for everyone to quickly realize (while on a snow-covered road) that she didn’t know how to drive a stick. Her laughter and good spirit in retelling moments like these brought joy to those around her.

Beyond her career, Connie loved music and performance, especially her time singing (lip-singing!) with The Lotta Dotts alongside friends Kathy Sexton and Pam Laurie. Her daughter has fond memories of sitting on Pam’s floor watching them sew costumes and sneaking backstage to see them perform at the Pony Village Mall, Eagles and events around town. The three ladies made several costumes, all on a budget, and the least expensive fabric they could find was polka dotted. Standing in front of the mirror before their inaugural performance at a Bay Area Hospital Talent Show, they wondered what their trio should be called, one blurted out “oh dear, that’s an awful lot of dots” and The Lotta Dotts name was born.

Connie is survived by her daughter, Ariann Lyons, and her mother, Jean Donason, both of Coos Bay, Oregon.  She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Donason, and her beloved brother, Dude (Glenn) Donason.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Aidan Senior Living for their compassionate care for Connie and their wonderful support during her final days. In honor of Connie’s lifelong dedication to helping others, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in support of dementia research.

Her kindness, her laughter, and her unwavering spirit will be deeply missed. Remember Connie by putting on your favorite purple outfit and retelling one of her hilarious stories. Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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