Obituary of Constance Kathleen Willems

WILLEMS, Constance “Connie” Kathleen – Peacefully at Trillium Villa, Connie Willems died on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the age of 92.  Beloved wife of the late William “Bill” (2021).  Loving mother of Teresa Coppens & her late husband Dennis, Catherine Willems & her wife Wendy Morrison, and Rick Willems & his wife Anjanette. Cherished grandmother of Connor (Veronique), Jarod (Michelle) & Kieran (Sasha) Coppens and Anaiya (Mario) & Sumner Willems. Dear sister of Bill Mackle, England and Peter Mackle, Mississauga. Sister-in-law of Henricka Willems and the late Peter Willems.  Predeceased by her parents Patrick & Daisy Mackle, brother Patrick Mackle, her sisters Teresa Mackle & Joan North and her son-in-law Dennis Coppens.

Born in England in 1931, Connie grew up in the suburbs of London during WWII. After the war she became a nurse and midwife. She went into private nursing and worked for some prominent families in the UK, including one of the Guinness heirs. She had many great stories to tell from that time.

Never one to sit still, she moved to Canada in the early 60s and was a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The plan was to stay for a few years and then move back, but fate intervened, and she met Bill. They married in 1963 and the rest is history.

Connie was a loving mother who enjoyed taking her kids to the beach (even though she couldn’t swim), shuttling them to sports and school trips, helping with homework and so much more. She loved to volunteer, whether at the school, Rotary Centre or hospice. She was very active at Sacred Heart Church, including serving as president of the parish council.

Connie was a very proud grandmother and will always be remembered for “grandma’s cookies” picked up at the local bakery when visiting her grandchildren.

It’s hard to sum up her 93 years in a few sentences, but she will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, her quick wit and dry sense of humour and most especially, her kind heart.

Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, May 6^th at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation to follow with interment at Lady of Mercy Cemetery at a later date.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com