Constance Dostie McHenry

A native State-of-Mainer, Connie was the eldest of the 8 children of Gerald Dostie and Ruth Kilgore Dostie. She is preceded in death by both her parents, brothers Jerry Dostie and Paul Dostie, and sisters Joan Stevens, Margaret Severance, and Patricia Boyle.

Among the places she lived: Skowhegan, ME, Detroit, MI, Westport, CT, Williamsville, NY and Cary, NC.

If you ever met Connie, you would remember her. Her deep voice caught your attention, but her intelligence, sharp wit, creative use of language, and forthright sharing of opinions always commanded the room. Early in life, she was labeled ‘The Queen’ by her siblings, and she lived up to the title every single day. She ruled all, but always led with her heart. She put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. She had high expectations that kept us on our toes, but she kept us laughing. We adored her. We always wanted to please her; her grandchildren kept a running list of “Things Grandma Likes.” Among those Things: music, ballet, the beach, and a “not too spicy” Bloody Mary.

While her focus was her own large family, Connie worked for a time as a cosmetologist at Hengerer’s department store in Buffalo, she was also active in the League of Women Voters, and CREWS (Cornell Research Engineers Wives Society). She was a great bridge player, an avid reader (who was always on top of news and current events), and a master at crossword puzzles. She had an incredible ear. She sang and played piano and was a lover of jazz and classical music.

She is survived by her husband Raymond R. McHenry, sisters Charlene Poulin and Geraldine Turner, children: Charlene (Leon) Grant, Stanley (Rosemary) McHenry, Kathleen McHenry DeRubio, Brian (Eliza) McHenry, Kevin (Michelle) McHenry, William (Donna) McHenry, and Patricia McHenry. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

At her request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her memory to fund research into conditions that have impacted her family: Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and Glioblastoma.

We are sure she would appreciate it if, in the words of one of her favorite (Peggy Lee) songs, you “bring out the booze and have a ball” in her memory. And maybe again on Christmas day, her 90th birthday, raise a glass in her honor.