CHARLESTON, S.C. — Constance Roussin Spann, 87, of Charleston, S.C., passed away Thursday, March 5, in Charleston.

Connie was born Jan. 16, 1931, in Lewiston. She grew up here until she left for college. She attended and graduated from Regis College in Weston, Mass., studying to be a teacher.

She taught for a few years until she became “Miss Connie” on the new TV show for children, “Romper Room,” in Portland.

Connie then left Maine for Philadelphia and became one of the leading talk show hosts in the Philadelphia market. She starred in “Target,” one of the first late-night talk shows, and did radio commercials for a number of nationwide companies.

Her show, “Dialing for Dollars,” became one of the first multi-set shows with interview, cooking, fashion and game area, all viewed by a live studio audience.

During her career in Philadelphia she hosted the annual Gimbels Thanksgiving Parade, the Mummers Parade and the Jerry Lewis Telethons.

Her interviews took her to five continents and led to an appearance on “All My Children” and a part in the movie, “If it’s Tuesday It Must be Belgium.”

In 1978, Connie married and moved with her family to Charleston, S.C., where she lived until her divorce. She died in Charleston on Thursday, March 5.

Condolences may be accessed at www.albert-burpee.com.

Constance Roussin Spann