Constance Alva Carr

The daughter of Elsie and Alvan Crocker, she was pre-deceased by her brothers, Richard and James Crocker. She is survived by her children David, Craig, Debra, and Steven, as well as 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Connie was descended from 300 years of Cape Cod Yankees. The lessons of survival in a land of few resources and great beauty were not lost on her. Connie was frugal and practical and embodied much of what is good in their character. She was strong and resolute when necessary, but always kind, generous, and optimistic. She was enthusiastic about decorating, sewing and bargains. She never tired of the view of Snake Pond from her home. She loved her family, her many friends and her community.

Connie grew up in Forestdale. Today there are over 11,000 people in Forestdale, but when she was growing up, there were only a hundred or so people living there. She had wonderful memories of that time. Neighbors were like family to her. She knew everyone and everyone knew her. Connie was interviewed about her early life in Forestdale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhCUuLQ19G4

Connie traveled far and wide as the wife of an Air Force officer. She managed their many moves, which took them as far away as Germany and the Philippines. The moves were at times a test of her strength and resolve. In one especially notable case she took her infant son Steven and three preteen children on a four day island hopping odyssey across the Pacific on a troop transport. The plane was unpressurized, the seats were canvas, the food was terrible, and the entire family was sick from a double dose of vaccines. On the third day of their trip, their plane approached Guam in a typhoon. The plane battled high winds, forcing the pilot to circle the island, using their reserve of fuel. The pilot attempted several landings and when they were finally on the ground, the pilot informed the passengers that their situation had been desperate - they were out of fuel.

Upon returning to the Cape after 23 memorable years away, Connie’s Cape Cod accent found its home again. It was as though she had never left. She was home.

In the years that followed, whether having tea with Ethel Kennedy, hosting refugees from Hurricane Katrina, being the postmaster of Forestdale, or playing the Sousaphone in the Sandwich Town Band, Connie was always Connie, a beauty queen filled with an enthusiasm for life. In the end, stricken with blindness and dementia, she faced life with quiet courage, concern for others, and optimism.

The following is a poem written several years ago by her sister-in-law.

There is a Cape Cod lady

Whose smile is known

from shore to shore

She is loved

by all who know her

and knock upon her door.

If per chance you need a favor,

or just want to sit and talk

This beautiful lady

Is never want to balk!

She lives life to the fullest

and it is a treasure

Knowing “Our Connie” is

One Great Pleasure!

-Pat Crocker

A visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home 154 Route 6A Sandwich, MA. A Celebration of Life will be held 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Connie's home. Please reach out to Debra for additional information at [email protected]

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonbournefh.com for the Carr family.