The Honorable Judge Carol A. Connor (Lacan) died May 10th, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM with all her beloved family near.
Carol, a strong, wise and powerful Assinibione Sioux woman was born in Wolf Point Montana on December 31, 1941 to Lora M. Worthington and Fred Whitebear Connor. Carol had three children Robert Mark Gilbert, Cindy Montgomery and Lori Matier Vittatoe. Carol was preceded in death by her son Robert Mark Gilbert and survived by her daughters Cindy Montgomery and Lori Matier Vittatoe, her Grandchildren Natalie Montgomery, Rachael Matier, Joseph Montgomery, William Connor Montgomery and Great Grand Children Dominique Ortiz, Jordan Connor, Ethan Whitebear, Brendan Barela, and Noah Joseph.
Judge Connor graduated with the class of 1978 from the University of New Mexico Law School as a member of the Indian Law Center. Her prolific law career spanned four decades, including practicing law for several tribes across the United States, including her own Assiniboine Sioux tribe in Montana. Judge Connor then sat on the bench as a Federal Administrative Law Judge for 20 years. Judge Connor was a founding member of the New Mexico Women’s Bar Association, and a tireless advocate for women, Native Americans, and land and water rights.
Judge Connor was married to her “Cherie” Jacques Lacan for 20 years, whom she met in Normandy while honoring a story of fallen Native Americans in WWII, including her own father. They were married in a fairy tale French castle, as well as in the church and resided in Albuquerque, with their beloved puppies Bisoux Boy I, Bisoux Boy II, and Kissy Face. There aren’t words to describe the magnitude of Carol’s impact on the world, how incredible she was, and how much she will be missed, as she truly touched all those she encountered. She will always be in our hearts and continue to guide us.
She always believed her greatest gift to the world was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who she loved and adored.
Donations can be made in honor of Carol to the New Mexico Womens Bar Association.
Iva Grainger says
My condolences to the family. She was a very special dynamite lady in a small package.
She will be missed.
Laura Christoffersen says
My condolences…she was always a feisty lawyer to be around. Many fond memories…
Bob and Terry McAnally says
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. May the Creator wrap loving arms around all her family and friends during this hard time.
Danna Runsabove says
I am very surprised and saddened to read this news of Carol’s passing. In the early years of our tribal court getting off the ground, Carol offered guidance and expertise, as well and her professional legal flair. I always enjoyed her company and our talks about how we can make our court better and her encouragement for an legal education. My late sister, Patty McGeshick, and I would have so much fun with her. She would let us wear her beautiful jewelry, we would talk about fashion and high heels and make up. She would tell us about her travels and her life adventures. She was a special lady whom I admired. My condolences to her family. Rest in peace, Judge Connor.
Roxanne Gourneau says
I am saddened to hear of Carol’s passing, I met her many years ago when she was the Attorney for the Fort Peck Housing Authority. She was jazzy and intelligent, I was humbled to have been in her company. May her family be wrapped by the Lord in their time of sorrow,