Constance ‘Connie’ Heinecke was born in Philadelphia in 1919 and led a fascinating life that took her across continents and into a variety of unique roles
Her journey to Asia began in 1952 when she followed her husband Roy to Japan
At the time Roy, a U.S. Marine, was stationed as a combat correspondent in Korea, leaving Connie to manage their family and find her own path in a new and unfamiliar environment
With two young sons in tow, Connie soon took on a position as the Women’s Editor for the Army, Navy and Airforce Times, demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive
In 1956, Connie’s life took another exciting turn when the family moved to Hong Kong
Roy was appointed Press Officer at the American Consulate and Connie seized the opportunity to embark on a new venture, where she wasted no time in opening Newsweek Magazine’s first Southeast Asian office
Her energy and entrepreneurial spirit were evident as she later assumed the role of regional advertising manager when the Heinecke family relocated, first to Kuala Lumpur and then in 1963 to Bangkok
Connie quickly grew attached to Thailand, which she would eventually call her home and her son Bill Heinecke went on to become the CEO of the Minor Group, a prominent company based in Bangkok
Although her two sons, three grandsons and great-grandson lived in different parts of the world, Connie remained an avid traveler, delighting in visiting her family and friends, all the while entertaining them with her quick wit, humorous stories and her many jokes
And on the subject of jokes, before her passing Connie put together a collection of jokes in a book, with all proceeds from its sales being donated to the Roy E. Heinecke Scholarship Foundation
This foundation supports Thai schoolchildren in need, helping to provide them with educational opportunities they might never otherwise gain access to
To purchase a copy, please contact the Anantara Hotel Group for further information