It is with broken hearts and an abundance of love that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Connie Doherty (Willett), aged 69, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday December 30th 2021.
Connie, the third of four children of Donald and Dorothy Willett, was born in 1952 in Fredericton, NB. and lived here her entire life. Even after her numerous trips abroad she would always share that there was no where more beautiful than New Brunswick. She met Dad while in High School and they went on to marry and spend 49 years together, as close as any couple could be, setting a wonderful example of wedded bliss. She was so proud of her three children, Cary, Ryan and Denny, and was the most incredible mother in the world. She was a constant, loving presence in everyone’s life.
Connie and Dave owned Kitchen Fashions in Fredericton for over 30 years and were able to enjoy their retirement for the past 15 years, traveling the world. Mom’s happy place was the family cottage at Oromocto Lake where she spent her summers kayaking, painting, and spending time with her lake family. Connie was an avid walker and her and Dad could be found walking the streets and bridges of downtown Fredericton each day, and she took great care in leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
Mom embodied the spirit of giving and was a dedicated volunteer in the community throughout her life. Most recently she spent time volunteering at the Soup Kitchen, Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers, and the Doris E. Sullivan IODE Chapter. She was always the first to offer help, and was a pillar both in the community, as well as to the lucky friends and family who were the recipients of this love and compassion.
She was a wonderful friend to many and held them dear to her heart. Her walking group, painting group, lake friends, and her closest friends from childhood meant the world to her. She was also an active member of St. Dunstan's Church, and had an unwavering faith in God, which helps us to know she is with him in her eternal resting place.
While I can whole-heartedly share that Mom was truly the best mother in the world, her role of Grammy catapulted her to new heights. Sophie, Kate & Luke were her world, and she was nothing short of spectacular when it came to being a Grammy. She was loving, giving, funny, and present for every important milestone and all the special moments in between. She taught them so many important life lessons, like the value of family, which will live on in her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, David Doherty, daughter Cary Norquay (Rodney) of New Maryland, sons Ryan Doherty and Denny Doherty of Charters Settlement. Beloved grandchildren, Sophie, Kate & Luke Norquay. Brother Gord Willett (Martha), sisters Jane Hayward and Dianne Thompson (Paul) and countless friends and family. She was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Dorothy Willett and brother-in-law, Ralph Hayward.
A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers or a charity of one's choice.
A special thank you to the incredible staff at both the DECH Emergency Room, Ambulance Transfer Service and the Cardiac Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Each and everyone of you went above and beyond for mom.