Constance Elaine Halpin

Constance Elaine Halpin (nee Meehan), 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on May 17, 2022. She is predeceased by her husband Thomas, her parents, her sisters Mary, Sandra, Kitty, and Geraldine, and her brothers John and Raymond. She is survived by her children Thomas (Connie), MaryKate (Nick), Theresa, Connie, Jack (Lexie) and Anne (Erik), and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Connie was born in Philadelphia PA on August 11, 1936 to John and Catherine Meehan. She graduated from Hallahan High School in Philadelphia, PA in 1954, and went to work for Colonial Penn Insurance Company. Connie and Tom were married January 9, 1960 and settled in Ventnor NJ, where they raised their 6 children. During their 54 years in Ventnor, they gathered around them a community of friends and family, and often strangers, to whom their door was always open. Connie was the backbone of the family. She was head disciplinarian, proactive moral compass, counselor, first-aider, den mother, seamstress, carpooler -- skillfully and patiently juggling the innumerable jobs that come with motherhood. Connie gave her children the freedom to experience life, to make their own way, and to embrace and learn from mistakes. She encouraged and nurtured her family’s love for reading, nature, travel, arts, music, sports and adventure. She made a sit-down, home-cooked meal almost every night for Tom and the kids, and whoever else happened to be at the table. When their youngest started first grade, Connie went back to work outside of the home, managing the business side of Tom’s physical therapy practice for 26 years. In the early 80s, her sister Mary came to live with the family. Connie cared for her until Mary’s last days. When her children were grown, she set to work helping to raise her grandchildren. She gave her undying love and support to her family, and she did it all with quiet humility, determined resilience, and a masterfully sharp wit. Connie was a superhero; her power lay in her optimism, her faith, her humor, her ability to help others shine, her love and compassion for people, and her delight in the world around her. Connie’s life stands as a testament to faith, love, and dedication to service. As a longtime parishioner at St. James Church in Ventnor, NJ, she loved being involved with Catholic Daughters and the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a Eucharistic Minister, a lector, and member of the choir. She and Tom were active in supporting religious vocations through Serra International. Outside of parish life, Connie spent countless evenings making sandwiches for the soup kitchen in Atlantic City, and volunteered for Birthright of Atlantic County. When Tom and Connie moved to Oregon in 2017, Connie once again jumped into parish life, finding kindred souls at St Mary’s Church in Corvallis, as a Eucharisitic Minister and Catholic Daughter, and as a volunteer with Stone Soup, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, adoration chapel, and the funeral choir. Connie’s dedication to service infused every part of her life and only grew stronger throughout her years. She was quick to offer a hand to whoever needed it, ready to help in whatever way she could. She made a point to always carry a wad of one dollar bills so she could offer to “buy a cup of coffee” for anyone who looked like they could use one. Even in her last days, she spoke of how she hoped to feel strong enough once again to volunteer at the church and soup kitchen. She never boasted about all the time and energy she devoted to others; when asked about it she’d simply say, “That’s just what we do.” Connie was an expert crossword puzzler and a Scrabble queen. She was an avid tennis player for many years, delighted in a decent yard sale, and loved to bake and try new recipes. Connie was a world traveler and especially relished a good road trip. She and Tom made more than a few cross-country journeys – twice with an RV full of kids. They both loved wandering, just the two of them together, or meeting up with family and friends for camping, festivals, and random adventures. Retirement saw Connie and Tom enjoying winters in Florida and finding even more reasons and places to ramble. Wherever she happened to be, Connie especially cherished times gathered with family and friends for dinners, holidays, reunions, or just a day at the beach. Taking the time to sit down together for conversation over a shared meal or cup of coffee was, for her, one of life’s finest pleasures. It is tempting to lament that Connie’s passing has left a hole in the lives of her family and friends. But this is not so because, before she left us, Connie made sure that in the space where a hole might have been, there is love. A memorial service was held on May 26, 2022 at St Mary’s Church in Corvallis, OR. A Catholic funeral mass for Tom and Connie is scheduled September 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at St James Church in Ventnor NJ, and will be followed by a celebration of their lives. In lieu of flowers or donations, please honor Connie by taking an opportunity to lend a helping hand, do a good deed, or lift up a family member, friend or stranger.

Constance Elaine Halpin

August 1, 1936 - May 17, 2022