Constance Darling "Connie" Townsend - 94, Valley, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. She was a daughter of the late James and Harriett (Riggs) Searle. The last of her generation, she was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Erskine Townsend and siblings, Bill, Florence "Love", Max, Elsie, Fred, Frances "Babe", Jack, Violet "Vie".
Born in Truro, Connie was the youngest in the family. Her parents were immigrants from Newfoundland, and that set the tone of family and music early in Mom's life. She watched most of her older brothers join the services in WWII and she herself became a nurse in 1946, following training at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. She married Gerald Townsend, who took her to MacDonald in Montreal for his final training as an agricultural engineer.
Her first daughter, Deborah was born during the final term and Connie returned to Valley and proceeded to have two more children, Elsie and Peter. A lover of music, all three children were sent for piano lessons at an early age. Connie was a wonderful cook, and was constantly singing as she prepared meals from scratch in the kitchen. She was a life member of the United Church Women, loved nature and always kept both flower and vegetable gardens and refinished antique furniture.
Following retirement, she and Gerald travelled extensively, always finding time to go for walks in the woods or where ever they found themselves. A lifetime of curiosity was pursued by constant reading, with a special interest in current events. She will be remembered with great love by her children, Deborah, Elsie and Peter (Elva).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Connie’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Private family interment will be held at a later date in Crossroads Cemetery, 110 Salmon River Road, Valley. No flowers by request. If so desired, donations in Connie’s memory to a charity of choice are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Connie’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com