Constance “Connie” Beth Rocco, 71, of Chepachet, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family just before sunset on April 8, 2024. Connie’s death followed a brief illness, a late snowstorm, an earthquake, and a rare total eclipse.
Connie grew up in Greenville and attended the St. Philip School, Smithfield High School, and the University of Rhode Island where she obtained a degree in Early Childhood Education. She traveled extensively in her youth, even reaching the Pyramids of Giza, before starting a family with her second husband, Michael. Together they lived in Minneapolis MN, Kinderhook NY, Chesterfield MO, and South Berwick ME, before she returned to Rhode Island as a widow. She made many treasured friends along the way.
Connie loved people and animals, and in later life she became a vegetarian. She fostered diverse interests in art, music, and culture, but her greatest joys were baking and beachcombing. These pursuits were hampered by debilitating arthritis which she endured for many years with stoicism and grace. Despite this injustice, Connie loved life and embraced its wonders, never allowing pain to stifle her generous and compassionate spirit. She greatly valued independence and lived on her own until death. She was stubborn, courageous, and to many a trusted and faithful friend whom we loved deeply. To her chagrin, strangers continued to comment on her beauty and intellect even through her last days.
Connie is survived by her siblings, Christina Caldwell of Mapleville RI and Stephen Rocco and his wife Tara of Greenville RI, her children, Tyler Rocco-Chaffee and his partner Kelsi Sleet of Easthampton MA, and Kayla Rocco-Chaffee and her partner Bryan Giasson of Portland ME, their daughter, Clementine Enderley— born in March of 2024, Connie’s first grandchild— and numerous dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Albert F. and Harriet J. Rocco, her brother, Dr. Allen F. Rocco, and her husband Michael G. Chaffee.
Plans for a celebration of Connie’s life later this summer will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Central Kitchen in her memory.