Mrs. Constance “Connie” Frances (Rodwell) Jenrette (83) of Middleburg, FL, peacefully entered eternal life on August 27, 2018. Connie was born on March 11, 1935, in the North End of Boston, MA, to the late Mr. John Francis Rodwell and the late Mrs. Eleanora “Laura” (Nuzzolo) Rodwell.
Connie was married to the late BMC Don E. Jenrette, Sr., USN, Ret. for 40 years. Later, she shared life with her life partner, Mr. Robert B. Steup. She is joining her son, A1C John Francis Cole, USAF, Ret., brothers Mr. John “Jack” Rodwell and Mr. Ralph “Bob” Rodwell, in heaven, along with many other friends and family.
Those who met Connie might have heard her describe herself as a T.O.B. (Tough Old Broad). She was proud to have survived so many health issues. She had a strong faith and loved “The Guy Upstairs”.
She had many roles in life such as a mother, couture designer/seamstress for herself and children, chauffeur for the kids, babysitter for the neighborhood kids, in RI, and also a loving partner.
In 1982, Connie and her husband moved 5 of their children from RI to FL. In addition, she invited her 3 elderly Aunts to live next door. What a wild time that was!
In 1985, she started a new career as a telephone rep in the Call Center industry, at AT&T. She later became a manager until retiring in 1999.
Her spirit is carried on by her 8 surviving children; Rev. Don E. Jenrette Jr. (Faye), MSgt Scott Jenrette, USAF, Ret. (Cyndee), Lt Col Brian Jenrette, USAF Ret. (Paige), Mr. Bruce Jenrette-Lawrence (Nicholas), Mrs. Susan Jones (Larry), Mrs. Laura Carioggia (Dan), Mrs. Jane Moore (Mike), and Mrs. Sheryl Wilkes (Jeff).
Connie also leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was known to her grandchildren as “Nana”, however, some of her great-grandchildren knew her as “Nanny with the “Glasses”.
The wake for friends and family will be held on Thursday, August 30th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead, in Orange Park. The funeral is being held on Friday, August 31st, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church in Middleburg. The funeral will be officiated by Father Jaisemon Xaviour and Rev. Don E. Jenrette, Jr.. Graveside will continue at Holly Hill Memorial Park, 3601 Old Jennings Road Middleburg, Florida 32068.
Pallbearers are: Rev. Don E. Jenrette, Jr., Scott Jenrette, Brian Jenrette, Bruce Jenrette-Lawrence, John Rodwell and Scott Burgess. Honorary pallbearers are Sheryl Wilkes and Karyn Rodwell.
Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home is handling arrangements, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, 904-264-2481.
