Constance "Connie" Merola

ESSEX CENTER, VT / ORANGE CITY, FL - Constance Connie (Kinney) Merola, 80, passed away on September 3, 2019 in Orange City.

Born in Enosburg Falls, VT on September 16, 1938, she was the daughter of the late L. Otis & Charlene (Straight) Kinney.

Raised on the family farm in Franklin County during the Depression, Connies early childhood revolved around dairy farm life. From raising crops for food, planting and baling hay for the animals, and milking cows twice a day, Connie and her brother Carlton quickly learned the necessity of hard work and self-sufficiency. As a young girl, Connie had a special love for horses, and some of her fondest memories included riding along the shores of Lake Carmi in Franklin, in the area that would later become Lake Carmi State Park.

Graduating from Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans in 1956, she then enrolled at Johnson State Teachers College, where she met her future husband. In May 1958 she married Raymond Merola. Together they raised 4 sons in Essex Center. Camping throughout Vermont & New Hampshire with friends and family was a summertime staple full of adventure and fun, as Connie shared her love of the outdoors with her family.

Marrying into a large Italian family, where celebrations were numerous, and Sunday get togethers commonplace, Connie quickly became everyones favorite. With her easy going demeanor, beautiful smile, and infectious laugh, she had a charisma that drew people to her. Hers was the gift of making everyone around her feel important and special.

Connie was a United States Postal employee where she worked as a rural route mail delivery driver. She enjoyed a 20 plus year career before retiring. But retirement to a Vermont farm girl did not mean sitting idly watching TV. Connie had her own Mary Kay Cosmetic business, and worked in various retail establishments while tending her vegetable and flower gardens. She was a lover of books and music and enjoyed her daily walks.

Family time with her sons and extended family was an incredible source of happiness and joy to her. Some of her most precious post retirement time was spent with her granddaughter, Karissa Hayes, whom she adored and shared a special relationship. They delighted in each others company and together forged an unbreakable bond that transcended time and place. Throughout her life Connie touched many lives. Without fanfare and in a remarkable "behind the scenes" way, she quietly helped those in need.

In 2009 Connie moved to Deltona, to help care for her brother, Carlton. She later moved to Orange City and continued living there until the end of her life.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her former husband Raymond Merola, her brother Carlton Kinney, and her son Matthew Merola.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons: Raymond Merola Jr. of Milton, Christopher Merola and his partner Peggy Toohey of Dalton, NH, and Robert Merola of Essex Center; her grandchildren: Karissa and Kayla Hayes, Raymond Merola III, and Lexi Boudreau; great granddaughter Kinlee Pidgeon; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Berkshire Center Cemetery, Reservoir Rd., Berkshire.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com