AUBURN — Constance R. (Ferguson) Lemieux, 94, formerly of 10 Orestis Way, Lewiston, passed away at Clover Manor nursing home Tuesday, April 25, after a period of declining health.

Connie was born in Stottville, N.Y., on Feb. 28, 1923. She was the daughter of Alden and Grace Dunbar Ridgeway. Connie graduated from Hudson High School with the Class of 1941. She attended Mildred Elley Business School from 1941 to 1942. Connie left school and returned to her hometown to assist her family financially by taking a position as personal secretary to the mill’s superintendent. By the mid 1940s, the town’s mill closed due to the introduction of the labor union. Connie and her parents relocated to Maine to find employment in the textile industry. She gained employment at the Maine Unemployment Office, where she met Joe Ferguson. They married in May 1948. In March 1949, they had a son, Mark, who survives her. After a lengthy illness, Joe passed away in September 1966. In 1972, Connie remarried one of Joe’s good friends, Bert Lemieux. Bert passed away in August 1986.

Connie was a member of the former St. Patrick’s Church and its choir. She was always grateful to the Rev. T. Lee Burns for the opportunity to travel to so many worldwide destinations with the choir.

Connie probably will be best remembered to many as the receptionist of Tri-County Mental Health Services. She often spoke of the clients and co-workers with much regard. At the age of 80, she decided to retire, but not for long. She was offered the opportunity to work part time at Clover Manor as a receptionist followed by being a volunteer. This allowed her to meet and greet familiar faces whom she knew throughout the years of being in public service.

In November 2016, Connie’s health began to decline. After her discharge from d’Youville Pavilion, Connie became part of the assisted living program at Clover Manor. Connie was transferred to the nursing home residence in early February and received hospice care until her passing.

Survivors include Mark and wife, Sheila; her three grandchildren, Stephanie, Christopher and Matthew (Christine); and five great-grandchildren, Becca, Hailey, Cooper, Grady and Kendall.

Connie was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Sherwood.

Special thanks to the Clover Manor staff on the Clare Unit, Jaime Huebert, social worker at Clover Assisted Living and the staff with Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.

Donations and expressions of sympathy can be made online at www.albert-burpee.com.

Constance R. Lemieux

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