Constance "Connie" Mae Toepfer

Constance "Connie" Mae Dommel-Zalewski-Toepfer, also known as “Momma Z” by most, 74, sadly passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, around 11:40 a.m., at UMPC Western Maryland, surrounded by loved ones.

Connie was the daughter of the late John and Reba Dommel. She was born on September 28, 1947, in Georgetown Hospital in Washington, DC, and raised in the Georgetown area. She moved to Cumberland, MD, in 1981 with her late husband, William T. Toepfer.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her oldest son, Robert J. Zalewski, Jr.

Surviving are her son, John "Tom" Zalewski and wife Kat, Ridgeley, WV, James W. Zalewski and Stacey, Cumberland, MD, and Joseph S. Zalewski and wife Lauren, Cumberland, MD; step-son, Thomas Toepfer; and step-daughters, Cami and Amy Toepher; 18 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, who she absolutely adored and gave each and every one of them their own special nickname. Grandchildren include: Jarred Zalewski and wife Tosha, Tyler Zalewski, Ethan Morgan, and Dain Sentz, Shayla Zalewski, Lilyan Mills, Anden Zalewski, and DeLyla Mills, Brittany Hook and husband Jaye, Blaine Zalewski, Tabitha Zalewski and Garrett Evans, Lexis Zalewski, Aalyiah Storer, and Joseph Zalewski, Jr. and Jordan Toepfer; great-grandchildren include: Alyssa, Aliza, Aliana, and Mason Zalewski, Paisley and Phineas Morgan, Hayden, Tayla and Zerek Bevins, Cayden and Kyra Hook, and Gavin, Lucus, and Gabby Watson. In addition to her children and grandchildren, also surviving are many special cousins.

Even though Connie was an only child, she often referred to her very close cousins, Winnie Harrigan and Susie Boss, as her sisters, whom she has many fond memories with. To know Connie was to love her, and there were many special people in her life, including a family friend Crystal Malloy, who was with her and the family to the end, Christina Puffenbarger, and Darlene Morgan. We also cannot forget about her precious little dog, Coco (aka, Splinter).

After raising 4 boys, and providing over 23 years of entertainment to the Cumberland area with her karaoke business, Karaoke Express, that she ran with her sons starting in 1995, she became “Momma Z” to most that knew her, and she loved that.

Connie was proud of her sons, and loved them all very much, but there is no denying how much she missed her son Rob. There is comfort in knowing she is finally in his loving embrace.

Family and friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. with Chaplain Bruce McBride officiating. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.