Constance Rae Upton Greene of Mansfield passed away peacefully Thursday, July 19, 2018. Born May 1, 1933 in Hartford Connecticut, Constance was the daughter of Ray G. Upton and Helen M. (Colla) Upton who predeceased her. Connie is survived by her three daughters – Vicki Lynn Piasecki and her husband Philip John Piasecki of Mansfield Connecticut, Jodi Rae Greene and her companion Joseph Presti of Preston Connecticut, Kelli Jo Baker and her husband Steven Baker of Georgia; three grandchildren – Samantha Rae Tanner of Georgia, Tyler Cameron Piasecki of Mansfield Connecticut, and Dallas Rhea Baker of Georgia; and three great grandchildren – Denver, Korbin, and Sienna, all of Georgia.
Connie also leaves her brother, Robert G. Upton of North Carolina and her sister Joan L. Upton of South Windsor Connecticut, along with seven nieces and nephews. Connie was predeceased by her eldest brother Richard T. Upton of New York and Florida, her sister-in-law Mary-Jane Upton, and her special friend companion Harry Morse. As a youngster in her early years, Constance and her brother Richard were under contract with a Hartford Connecticut radio station for “Children’s Hour”, a weekly program where they performed on stage as a tap dance duo.
They enjoyed performing weekly for group socials and entertained at many community events. Constance attended schools in Hartford, Manchester and was a Girl Scout, 4H Member, and Junior High Class Treasurer. Connie later moved with her family to Coventry and Graduated with Honors from Windham High School.
She was a popular student, Majorette, played Basketball, was in the Glee Club, Windham Players, Washington Club, Rifle Club, and received a Voice of Democracy Award. Following high school graduation, Constance worked for SNET Company. Shortly thereafter, Connie enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at the Company 25 Naval Base in Great Lakes Illinois.
Connie then was accepted into the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School where she attended school in Bainbridge Maryland. Connie later returned to Great Lakes Illinois for a promotion to take on a position vacated by a Sailor who retired. Constance elevated into a new rank after being honored by the Commanding Officer for achieving the highest test score at the entire naval base.
Her name, Constance Rae Upton is etched on the U.S. Navy Veterans Monument located at the Veterans Memorial Green in Coventry Connecticut in honor of those who served in the Korea Conflict. Connie moved to Mansfield shortly after she married and fulfilled her next goal to become a mother. She was devoted to her children.
Connie was very active throughout her three daughters elementary and high school years, assisting with many school projects and social events, plays and artwork, active member of the PTO, Girl Scouts, and a Room Mother for her children’s classrooms at Annie E. Vinton Elementary School. Connie was a past member of the Mansfield Junior Women’s Club and participated in various Charities to include the American Heart Fund Association and Cancer Drive. Connie worked for the family business founded by her Father and Mother, Upton Construction Inc. Later on she was employed in Nursing at Windham Hospital Connecticut until her retirement.
She found nursing to be a rewarding career, working on several specialty floors for surgical, pediatric, and orthopedic. Connie’s retirement brought her great joy on adventures taken with her companion Harry as they traveled throughout the northeast. She always had a goal to accomplish, the next adventure planned, and a new story to tell every day.
Connie had a passion for researching news events – traveling to town sites of news interests and report first hand of her own story. Connie was actively in contact with Mansfield town politicians and Connecticut state representatives to voice her thoughts and offer her opinions. Connie supported all Mansfield town events, trips, attended many town meetings, luncheons, music interests, parades, etc.
She also participated in many various University of Connecticut Storrs Campus social events, dedications, and was an avid fan of the UCONN Men and Women Basketball. Connie had a true love for life. She expressed a wonderful love of nature and enjoyed all the simple joys of life.
Connie had a beautiful passion for flowers and planted exquisite garden themes, enjoyed her displays of rock collections and many creative crafts. She loved to talk and had a fondness for all people. Connie believed everyone had a story to tell that she enjoyed listening to and she always had one to share that she always expressed with great enthusiasm.
Connie was smart, artistic, and creative with everything she touched. Connie/Grammy was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved her children and grandchildren. Her family misses her dearly and will lovingly carry on her traditions that she shared with us.
The family is thankful for the compassionate and professional care that Connie received by the doctors, nurses, and staff at The Regency, Vanderman Place and Beacon Hospice. At the request of Constance, there will be no calling hours and the funeral will be private with immediate family members. Arrangements were made with Potter Funeral Home for an Episcopal graveside funeral with U.S. Navy Honors at the New Mansfield Center Cemetery, Mansfield Center Connecticut.
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