Connie passed away at home in the loving care of her family and VNA Hospice and Palliative Care on July 24, 2024, due to cancer. She was 104 years and 5 months old. Born on February 28, 1920, in Boston, she lived in the old West End and Boston suburbs before residing in Medford for over 50 years. For the last few years, she lived with her niece and nephew, Lois and Robert Cimeno, in Wilmington, MA.
Connie had hardships and adversity in her life but worked hard and persevered. She studied at Burdett College and pursued a career in the business world in Boston, where she held positions as secretary, bookkeeper, office manager, and assistant controller. She was also involved in politics by volunteering her time and office skills working on the campaigns of local government officials.
Connie always liked to try new experiences and expand her knowledge. She travelled extensively to domestic and international locations, including, Canada, Italy, France, and Greece. She was an avid videographer and amassed a huge collection of home movies. Well into her 70’s she continued to take courses at local colleges including Bunker Hill Community College in painting and calligraphy. At age 84, she completed a training program through Proliteracy America and became a certified tutor in Literacy and English as a Second Language.
Volunteering with the Knitting Connection in Medford had a special place in Connie’s heart. She loved working with children and found it very fulfilling to make warm winter clothing for those in need. On December 9, 2003, The Knitting Connection was featured on an episode of the TV show Chronicle. Connie was shown instructing young Girl Scouts how to make Christmas stockings. In addition to knitting, she was an expert seamstress. Although Connie never had children of her own, she was very involved in the nurturing of her nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. She instilled the love of learning by taking them on frequent adventures to museums, theaters, and historic places. A favorite destination was the Medford Public Library where they would explore the world through books and arts and crafts. And of course, being a gourmet cook, the children were always eager to go to “Connie’s House”.
Connie really enjoyed living at Riverside Towers with the Medford Senior Center on site. She participated in day trips and a variety of activities, but her favorite was BINGO, which she did into the final weeks of her life. With her zest for life, Connie was an inspiration to everyone she met. She led by example, with grace, compassion, kindness, and love. We cherish our extended time with her and have many fond memories.
Connie was a loving Aunt to Lois Giunta-Cimeno and her husband Robert Cimeno, Philip Giunta and his wife Ellen, Marie Randall, Michael Giunta, Dena Spinale, Debra Bourassa. Great Aunt to Dr. Arielle Cimeno and her husband Dr. Scott Vasher, John Cimeno, Kevin Giunta, Barry John Bourassa, Cameron Bourassa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carmelo and Maria Spinale, and her five siblings; Salvatore, Margaret, Dominic, Josephine, and a second Salvatore.
Visitation on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, at the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Ave. Medford, MA, from 9:00am to 11:00am, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, MA and 11:30 AM. Interment will be private at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Roslindale, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medford Senior Center, 101 Riverside Ave. Medford, MA 02155.