"Dear family, Im so saddened by the loss of such a wonderful woman. I had the chance to get to know Connie over the last few years. She was amazing and always could brighten up your day. She would come in every Thursday and get her hair done at the salon in GI, and I always had to have a magazine Ready for her to read. May youre family find comfort in prayer and Gods word the Bible as you deal with this difficult loss."
In loving memory of
Constance Burns
December 5, 1923 - May 26, 2018
Constance F. Connie Burns, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Grand Islander Center. Connie was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, William P (Bill) Burns. Born in Newport, she was the daughter of the late Antone and Marcelina (Oliviera) DaPonte.
Connie graduated from Rogers High School in 1941 and worked at the Naval War College and at Naval Supply. She worked for a time in Milwaukee as an assistant retail buyer but returned to Newport where she met Bill at a dance at Johnnys. They married in 1948 and, as an Army wife, Connie moved to Texas, Maryland and New York before settling back in Newport. Connie held several offices in the Womens VFW including President. She was a lifetime member of the Jesus Saviour Rosary Sodality. She loved traveling, sewing, dancing, walking, reading, lobster and bingo. Connie was an advocate for education for people with intellectual disabilities and was an active supporter of the James L. Maher Center and of Special Olympics.
Connie leaves her five children; Michael Burns (Diane) of Mesa Arizona; William Burns of Newport; and Susan Young (Robert), Barbara Burns and Mary Burns, all of Middletown. Connie loved and was loved by her 7 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband and parents, Connie was predeceased by her brothers Manuel, John and Antone DaPonte and her sister, Antoinette Belanger.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 31 from 5 to 7PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 1, 2018 at 8:30 from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway at Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James L. Maher Center, Middletown, RI or Special Olympics Rhode Island, Smithfield, RI
Tributes
"Dear Mary and Barbara, I'm sorry to read about your Mom. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Debbie Behan"
"I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to The Burns family upon the loss of a nice lady. She always seemed to have a smile Always friendly."
"Rest in Peace Connie. My thoughts and prayers are with her family."