Consuelo Angelita Palacio

Consuelo "Connie" Angelita Palacio, age 91, of West St. Paul, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 12, 2026.

Connie, also lovingly known by family and friends as "Chique" or "Tia Chique," was a woman of remarkable resilience, strength, and compassion. She was born in Laredo, Texas, in 1934 to Cayetano and Andrea Carrizales. As a young girl, her family moved to the Lower West Side Flats of St. Paul. She graduated from Mechanic Arts High School, where she proudly spoke of her accomplishments as an outstanding basketball player.

The family later relocated to Northwest, Indiana, where they lived for 13 years near her sisters, brother, nieces, and nephews. Connie treasured those years being close to the family. Allowing all the cousins to grow up together, creating a close bond. They were inseparable-shopping, fishing, and riding around together, sometimes with eight to ten people packed into one car creating cherished memories that remain shared to this day.

Connie possessed extraordinary resilience, strength, tenacity, and love for her children. Together, they formed an incredible team, working hard for one another and guided by the values she modeled every day.

She later moved her family to Minnesota to pursue a new career with Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M). During her many years with the company, Connie earned numerous awards and recognition from coworkers, management, and the company before retiring with dedicated service and pride.

Connie's greatest joy came from time spent with family. She loved cooking and baking, taking long drives along Summit Avenue or through the countryside, and creating moments of togetherness. She also enjoyed visiting her favorite casino, where contributing-and occasionally winning-brought her great enjoyment. Her winnings sometimes led to visits to another favorite place, "Chicos," where she was warmly known on a first-name basis.

As a single mother, Connie raised 4 children on her own. Connie instilled in all of her children a strong work ethic, perseverance, and the belief to never give up on their dreams. She worked as many as three jobs at a time to provide for her family, demonstrating extraordinary determination, resilience, and unconditional love. She treasured every moment shared with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Connie will be remembered for her caring heart, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness. She was a friend to all she met, greeting people with a warm smile and welcoming hug.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her four beloved sisters and brother; and her two sons, Anthony J. Palacio and Paul L. Palacio.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth D. Palacio (Hipolito De Jesus); her son, Steven D. Palacio (Cherie); eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss her.

Visitation is Tuesday, May 26, from 5-8PM, at Simple Traditions by Bradshaw, 488 Humboldt Ave. St. Paul, with prayer service by Bishop Kevin Kenney at 7PM, as well as visitation one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 27, 11AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 401 Concord St., St. Paul. Interment at Newport Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her PCA, Vanessa, and to the doctors and nurses at United Hospital and Our Lady of Peace Hospice for their compassionate care, comfort, and support.