April 17, 1937 – September 13, 2024
Constance Mary Stetler (nee Sills), age 87 passed peacefully in her sleep at Hospice Simcoe on Friday, September 13, 2024 after months of failing health.
Born April 17, 1937 in Thurlow, Ontario to Roy and Nellie Sills, she was the third youngest of twelve siblings. She attended Belleville Collegiate Institute and Vocational Secondary School and later teacher’s college in Peterborough. At the beginning of her career, Connie lived in Downsview, and worked as an elementary school teacher in North York. On August 4, 1962, she married Merle Wesley Stetler and together they raised their family on a farm in New Lowell. Connie stayed at home while her children were young and then worked for years as a supply teacher and school transportation provider for children with special needs. In later years she moved back to the Belleville area and continued as a supply teacher.
Connie had a thirst for knowledge as she continually took courses by correspondence through the University of Waterloo from 1977-1992. She had a passion for history and loved to discuss events or share family history with anyone interested. She enjoyed time with her family, and marveled at her grandchildren, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. Always impressed by their accomplishments and a big supporter, she loved to boast about them all. She believed deeply in the education of children and enjoyed buying them books to foster a love of reading. Connie had a quick wit and enjoyed playfully teasing others.
As a young adult, Connie was an active member of the United Church, particularly in youth work. In 1960 she was selected to be a Canadian delegate to attend the European Ecumenical Youth Assembly in Switzerland. For years she belonged to the New Lowell United Church women’s group. Connie also volunteered for a number of years at the Quinte and District Sexual Assault Centre as well as Otherways Crisis Centre.
Connie is survived by her children Darrell (Lisa) of Barrie, Kendra (Ian) of Guelph, Kent (Jeannine) of Switzerland, grandchildren Brianna (Justin), Jessica (Zack), Andrew, Miles, Kaelyn, Riley, Luke, great grandchildren Koda and Briar, her sisters Lois Ray and Margaret Sullivan of Belleville, and brothers Bob (Shirley) Sills of Tweed and Roy
(Suzanne) Sills of Guelph, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Connie was preceded in death by her infant daughter Charene, son Bradley, sisters Jean Baker, Bessie Hubble, Dorothy Baker, Doris Cross and brothers Jack, Don and Doug Sills. Connie will also be remembered by her many nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews who thought of her as another grandmother.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Belleville. Connie will then be laid to rest at Zion Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are welcome at Hospice Simcoe https://hospicesimcoe.ca/ Thank you to the staff at Hospice Simcoe for their care, help and support over the past months.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca