1930 – 2016

RUMFORD — Constance Maxine Brown Tutlis, 86, of Rumford, formerly of Mexico, died Monday, Oct. 3, at the Rumford Community Home.

She was born in Dixfield on April 29, 1930, the daughter of George Watson Brown and Bernice Estella Flagg Brown, attended Dixfield schools and graduated from Dixfield High School in 1948.

Connie married S. Joseph Tutlis on Aug. 18, 1949, and they settled in Peru to raise a family. Tragedy stuck in 1955 when she and her husband, Joe, were stricken with polio. Joe passed away that August and Connie would suffer the effects of polio for the rest of her life.

During her working career, she worked at Stowell McGregor, Diamond Match, J.J Newberry, and local shoe shops providing for her family.

Connie led a very full and active community life. Along with her mother, she was a decades-long member of Mt. Sugarloaf Grange in Dixfield where she was past master. Many family events were held in the Grange Hall over the years. Additionally, she was a member of Franklin Grange No. 124 (past master, deputy and deaf activity director); Oxford Pomona No. 2 (past master); Maine State Grange (deputy); National Grange; Seniors Plus Advisory Council (president); Seniors Plus Board of Directors; Post Polio Support Group of Maine; Red Cross Board of Directors; Western Maine Transportation Board; Neighborly Senior Citizens (president and trip coordinator); Oxford County Triad Program; Historical Societies of Mexico, Bethel, Rumford, Carthage and Peru; Mexico Music Boosters (president); LDS Church; Swasey Torrey American Legion Post No. 100; Mexico Recreation Department; Mexico Athletic Boosters (president); and the Legion Auxiliary. In 2010, she was honored as the town of Mexico’s Citizen of the Year. She served as a ballot clerk and also on the Budget Committee for Mexico. Connie was a Girl Scout leader for 25 years, a Blind Camp counselor and during World War II she served as an airplane spotter.

She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many called her Nanna, but others knew her as Non or Nonnie, a combination of Nanna and Connie.

Connie is survived by son, Joseph Tutlis and wife, Doris, of Carrabassett Valley; son, Steven Tutlis and wife, Candice, of Rumford; son, Brian and wife, Cyndy, of Greene; daughter, Wendy Martin and companion, Daniel Roy, of Rumford; daughter Debra Sirois and husband, Timothy, of Norridgewock; daughter, Lisa Arsenault and husband, Robert, of Mexico; and sister, Eileen Gallant of Bangor. She is also survived by grandchildren, Christopher Tutlis, Matthew Tutlis, Tonya Carlton, Stephanie Briggs, Melissa Tutlis, Simon Tutlis, Katrina Tutlis, Jesse Page, Tracy Zeeger, Michelle McPherson, Gregg McPherson, Gen Sirois, Amanda Sides, Ryan Sirois, Rebecca Sirois, Joe Arsenault and Brian Arsenault; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband; parents; and sisters, Eleanor Brown, Alfreda Brown, Marie Bernard and Annie Spaulding; brother, George W. Brown; stepbrother, Ezra Staples Brown; and stepsister, Phyllis Dwinal.

Condolences and tributes may be shared on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.