Joanne (aka “Connie”) Tye, 89, of Fortuna, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with her children Rusty and Dennis and grandchildren Sara and Jessica caring for her.

Born on April 22, 1936, to Suzanne Rodgers, Connie lived a life filled with joy, love, and cherished connections with family and friends.

She was renowned for keeping an immaculate home, where she and her family delighted in hosting lively dinner parties. Connie treasured her lunch and dinner dates with loved ones, always quick to appreciate a good waitress — a nod to her own years spent in the profession. For decades, she was a beloved bartender at the Playroom, creating countless warm memories for patrons and staff alike.

Connie cherished the many years spent with family in Del Loma and Weaverville, building a lifetime of treasured moments. Her animals held a special place in her heart, as dear to her as her children; over the years, she adored and cared for several dachshunds.

An avid reader, she spent many happy hours immersed in novels, especially those by James Patterson, and loved exchanging books with her girlfriends — often followed by a well-deserved cocktail hour.

She is survived by her sons, Marty Collings, Dennis Collings and Rusty Tye, as well as her grandchildren: Alan Collings, Sara Collings, Jason Collings, Julissa Ridinger and Jessica Tye, plus great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Alan Tye, sons Doug Collings and Ricky Tye and her dear friend and partner, Pete Johnson.

She will be remembered as a devoted matriarch and a loyal friend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you raise a glass to her, in her own words, “one tough old broad.”

There will be a celebration of life, date TBD.

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The obituary above was submitted by Connie Tye’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.