1930 – 2020
Sr. Constance (Connie) Perron, DHS, 90, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit died on Thursday December 17, 2020 at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT.
Born Constance Mary Perron on July 14, 1930 in Spencer, MA, She was the daughter of Ludovic and Mary Alice (Letendre) Perron. She entered religious life in 1949 and made her religious profession on August 23, 1950 at the Motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France. She was then known as Sr. Roger du Divin Coeur. Sr. Connie obtained her B.A. from Diocesan Sisters College and her M.S. in Education from Fordham University.
Sr. Connie began her ministry as an elementary school teacher and principal in Moosup, Fairfield, Hartford and Bridgeport. In 1964 she was appointed Director of Postulants for 3 years then returned to education until 1977 when she enrolled in the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at Fatima Hospital in Providence, RI. She then ministered as a chaplain or director of pastoral care in hospitals or nursing homes until 1983. At that time, she was named Director of Formation until 1988 when she became a Councilor on the Provincial Team then elected as a Councilor on the General Council for 3 years. Returning to the US, she continued in pastoral ministry until she was admitted to the Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 2013. She joined the community at St Joseph Living Center in 2016.
Sr. Connie is survived by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit spiritual family – her Sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars and the Associates. She is also survived by her brother Roger Perron and several nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday December 23, 2020 from 9:45 – 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT with a prayer service at 10:15 AM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM followed by burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam at 1:30 PM. Social distancing guidelines will be followed including the requirement of a mask.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to DHS Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 497, Putnam, CT 06260. The Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, Ct is in charge of arrangements. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Diane Moylan-Cooke
To the loving family of Sr. Connie,
My God grant eternal peace to Sr. Connie. She was a wonderful person and I am grateful to have met her. My time spent with Sr. was short, yet our interactions were always personal and meaningful. Sr. Connie was such a wonderful conversationalist. A knowledgeable woman with so many experiences that impacted the lives of so many. I’m thankful for our friendship. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Diane
Claudia Bettez
Sr Connie was a truly wonderful person. As a colleague at Holy Spirit provincial house, she taught me so much about the art of listening to help others. An art she excelled in in her role as pastoral care visitor at that time. Always kind, and gracious, she was both a joyful giver and receiver. I will miss her smile and her voice raised in song but will keep wisdom imparted and stories she shared.