Connie had a love for the outdoors, mountains and adventure. She had a beautiful spirit for life and her presence had a positive impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Connie passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13th at the age of 90 after a brief illness at the Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. Her spirit is carried on in her 3 children, 7 grandchildren, one surviving sibling and extended family and friends from every walk of life. Her family was blessed to have Connie, Mom and Nana in their lives and learn many valuable lessons from her during her 90 years of life. Her legacy will live on.
Connie grew up on a farm near Turin, Alberta. As the youngest of 4 siblings, she had the freedom of being outdoors on the farm, lending a helping hand with seeding, harvesting and taking care of the chickens and her pet lambs.
Connie graduated from the General Hospital Nursing Program in 1949. She was the resident nurse at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton National Park, and worked as a nurse in New York and England before finishing her career at the Calgary General Hospital in the Operating Room. It was here that she met Frederick Hill, an anaesthetist with whom she enjoyed 37 years of marriage. Connie was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Frederick William Hill, in 1998.
Connie enjoyed all aspects of the “mountains”; Skiing, horseback riding, back packing, canoeing, hiking, and simply being there contemplating her thoughts. She was a lifelong volunteer and excelled at this role, contributing to the Samaritan Club of Calgary, Calgary Olympics, as well as the President of the Lake Louise Ski Club. She was a great follower of the Anglican Church and developed close ties to the different church communities including Christ Church and St Peter’s Church in Calgary and St Georges Church in Victoria, BC.
She will be greatly missed by her children Michael (Terese), Mary, David (Lisa); her grandchildren Geoffrey, Steven, Ben, Will, Chris, Tristan, and Jacqueline and her sister, Janet Papworth.
A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at a future date in Victoria, BC and Calgary, Alberta.
But happiness is not in having or being: it is in doing.
Lillian Eichler Watson
If desired, donations can be made in Connie’s name to either the University of Calgary in support towards the Calgary General Hospital School of Nursing Bursary Fund through the University of Calgary or to the Samaritan Club of Calgary.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marjorie Bahan
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Bob & Michelle Papworth Michael, Mary, David and Family. We are so saddened by the passing of our Aunt Connie. Still remember how she taught Carol & I to ski on those wooden skis at Lake Louise so many years ago! How we enjoyed her stop in visits on her way from Calgary to Victoria. She was so bright and informed and so enjoyable to visit with. She will be so missed – our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Michael, Mary, David and families:
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother, mother in law, and grandmother. We were lifelong friends and I treasure the many memories of our past.
Sincerely:
Marjorie Bahan