Constance “Connie” Anne Constable

WATERVILLE – Constance “Connie” Anne Constable passed away in her Gilman Street apartment where she lived with her companion dog, Jax, on June 15, 2021.

She was born in Waterville on August 4, 1951, along with her twin, Catherine Constable, to George “Butch” and Annie “Bea” Constable of Unity. Constance grew up on the sprawling family poultry farm, Sheltering Pines, with her twin and three other siblings. She attended elementary school in Unity, high school at Mount View, and worship at the Church of Christ.

She especially loved her summers at the family cottage on Lake Winnecook, swimming, fishing, playing, and entertaining the flow of relatives who visited.

When the poultry industry began its collapse in Maine, the family moved to Auburn and she attended Edward Little High School. She married young and raised three children Joseph, Jacob, and Julie with her first husband, Tim Sampson. They lived in Jackson and Punxsutawney, Pa. They divorced and Connie later married Peter Currid, a chef. Connie was a gifted cook, and they shared their love of food preparation and hospitality and welcomed their daughter, Jennifer into their busy lives. They operated two coastal restaurants, The Seascape and Aunt Lydia’s Tavern. They lived in York and followed Peter’s career with Olive Garden to New Hampshire and then to Florida.

Over her life, Connie worked in a number of jobs, including cooking at Unity College and the Samoset and merchandising for J.C. Penney. Peter and Connie eventually divorced but remained close friends and neighbors in Bradenton, where they both retired. She had recently requested Hospice care after more than three years of cancer treatments and multiple surgeries, throughout which she exhibited gratitude for every day saved, great appreciation for the support of her neighbors and caregivers, and remarkable perseverance and optimism, even through the isolation of the pandemic

She was the proud grandmother of Nicole, Abigail, Jack, and Andrew. Connie returned to Maine as her health and mobility declined.

Connie was predeceased by her parents; and brother and sister, Roland and Linda Constable.

Connie’s love of the sea was constant and she spent some of her happiest hours riding the waves and fishing from a small boat and filling canvases with oils of moody landscapes and seascapes, which now comfort her survivors.

She never lost her gregarious nature, and connected readily with strangers, neighbors, long-lost cousins, or others sharing the cancer experience. She struggled with alcoholism but believed in mercy and forgiveness and extended these to everyone she knew.

Catherine was able to savor time again with her twin sister. Her sister, Rosemary (Pillsbury) had maintained a daily telephone connection with her and had the gift of real contact and memorable Scrabble games, as Connie was a formidable contender. Demanding a last match for the “forever” championship, Connie was recently able to sit for only two moves. In the second, she played “soldiery” for 66 points and earned that title, celebrating with a warm laugh.

She nurtured beautiful orchids and continued to cook for her neighbors and visiting relatives until her last few weeks. Her last wishes were to see all her children, be freed from pain, and to have her cremains returned to the sea, where she had always found peace. Julie, Jacob, and his wife Vicki were with her for the week before she died and were with Catherine at her side as she passed. Jennifer visited recently before her move to the west coast, and Joseph has visited several times.

She is free from pain. The third wish will be granted. The family would like to thank Mary Poulin for her care, Angela Soucy for her friendship and her prayers, Hospice, and all those who have made her life full.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.