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CONNIE SMULLEN (nee MCGRATH) 1944 - 2015 On Thursday, April 16, 2015 Connie Irene Norma Smullen (nee McGrath) passed away with her best friend and husband of 48 years, Bob Smullen at her side, who cherished her deeply. Connie was a devoted mother to Sheila Sachvie (David), and proud grandmother of their children Laura, Matthew and Mark. She was the first born child to her parents Irene and Norman McGrath. Left to survive Connie are her sister Patricia Geske (Alan); brother Kenneth McGrath (Sheila McGuigan); niece Colleen Geske (Moses); nephew Kyle Geske (Shannon); sister-in-law June Clubb (Ron) and their family Roni Clubb (Craig), Cary Clubb (Julie), Chris Clubb (Karen); sister-in-law Roberta Coulter and her family Sharon Coulter (John) and Greg Coulter. Connie will also be missed by the "The Irish Connection", Bob's cousins who are the descendants of the original three families that emigrated from Ireland: the Burns Family, the Lockhart Family, and the Smullen Family. Connie attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate (DMCI), going on to graduate from The Winnipeg General Hospital (WGH) School of Nursing, as a Registered Nurse in 1966. She completed the Intensive Care Nursing designation also at WGH in 1968. She pursued the challenges of both Post Anaesthetic Recovery Room Nursing at the Health Sciences Centre and Grace Hospitals. Connie not only excelled at providing care and quality service to others through her nursing, she also had a strong interest in business and enjoyed engaging conversations. Her strong business sense led Connie to establish the Home Team business which she operated for seven years before selling, and then returned to Grace Hospital to help deliver the successful West Wing Expansion Project, integrating her business and nursing skills together. Connie had a deep appreciation and love of arts, crafts and home décor. She was so creative and loved putting her special touch on all things, such as designing special floral arrangements or table center pieces for all occasions. Her creativity, attention to detail and innovative spirit showed itself through all of her many talents from great recipes, baking, sewing, knitting and watercolour painting. Connie also loved travelling, experienced some wonderful vacations, and following Bob's retirement, settled in Clearwater, Florida for four winters. Friendships were so special to Connie and she genuinely nurtured and connected with her friends throughout her life, always putting the needs of others first. She treasured her close relationships with Carol Johnson, Bev Laping, Pat Akizuki, and the Duncan twins - Bev Tinkler and Barbara MacInnes; those friendships flourished over 50 years. So many of her friend's children affectionately referred to her as "Auntie Connie", as she loved them as family, always seeking to provide her care, nurturing and guidance. From the "Grand Beach Breakfast Club" through to the "Heart Smart Dinner Club", Connie was blessed with friends from all walks of life and she cherished all the times shared together. Connie loved being at the cottage at Matlock. She enjoyed the many dinners and gathering of friends at the big table in the veranda, where she could view and enjoy Bob's rose garden. Connie's love for fun and ideas for entertaining connected so many of their friends together. There are so many memories at Matlock and many special occasions were celebrated, including Bob and Connie's 25th Wedding Anniversary. When it came to her family, Connie considered them to be her greatest achievement. She was delighted and so proud of Sheila's many accomplishments and her devotion to her family. Connie's hopes are that her grandchildren Laura, Matthew and Mark will take to heart many of the old fashioned, simple pleasures and values that Connie held dear - love of the beauty of our world, seeing value in everyone, enjoying the soothing and healthy benefits of cottage life, developing a love of travel and the lessons it teaches, experiencing the personal joy and benefits of hard work, knowing the gift of friends and the personal gratification it brings. Many things will be missed - Connie's smile, her voice, her unique laugh, little things that made good times even better; her integrity, generosity and most of all, her care and love of our family and her friends. A heartfelt thank you to Hugh and Juliette Smith and Eric and Carol Johnson for their special support during the time of Connie's illness these past two years. The many hours spent visiting, trips in the car, dinners out, watercolour painting, and caring for Connie's needs lifted her spirits and brightened her days. Our appreciation also for the care provided by the Riverview Palliative Care Unit this past week, including a special thank you for the care and compassion of nurses Arlene and Karen. A Celebration of Life for Connie is planned for Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard at Dieppe Road in Winnipeg with Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson presider. Should friends so desire, donations can be made to a charity dear to your heart. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB in care of arrangements 204-897-4665. For those who wish to sign Wojcik's online Guest Book please visit our website at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com The love of friends, the joy of birth, The miracle of Mother Earth Winter, summer, spring, and fall, We thank the Lord she shared them all.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2015
Condolences & Memories (22 entries)
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Dear Bob and Sheila Connie lived such an amazing vibrant life. I remember when she started her business - I was in awe of this dynamic women and her unrelenting confidence. Though it has been many years I fondly remember all of you at our wedding (25 years ago) where Sheila and David caught our garter and our bouquet. Connie laughed so hard and was thrilled at the prospect. Take care of one another. Remember the wonderful memories that you have as a family, and share countless stories with your Grandchildren. Susan, Doug, and Alan Fidler-Elson - Posted by: Susan Fidler-Elson (Neighbour on Holt Drive, Winnipeg, MB) on: Apr 21, 2015
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I was so sorry to hear of Connie's passing. I have many fond memories of our three years in training. She will be missed at our reunions. - Posted by: Marilyn Lilley (Classmate ) on: Apr 20, 2015
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Bob, Sheila, Dave and Family, Patricia, Alan and Family and Ken and Sheila: Deepest condolences on your loss. Connie will be dearly missed! I first met Connie when I was a baby (she was two). We spent lots of time together doing what girls do until we moved to Quebec in 1954. I recall the time when we went fishing in Lockport with our folks and she made me so upset with her " bossiness" that I pushed her into the water. Needless to say, that did not go over too well with the parents! Through all the younger years we lived outside of Winnipeg we kept in touch with the now forgotten letter. We renewed our friendship in 1959, and spent many happy Saturdays getting dolled up and meeting at The Bay to shop. She was our "maid of honour" in 1964, and in true Connie fashion, she took those duties seriously. She was the inveterate hostess and I will never forget her kindness in taking matters in hand for us at a very difficult personal loss. I always enjoyed her visits to Yuma, when we spent countless hours yapping and catching up. Even though our lives took different directions I always felt that Connie was a dear friend. We always kept in touch somehow, and when we did get together, even though a number of years had passed between visits, it always seemed as if we had never been away! The world has lost a beautiful lady, but she is at rest now and for that I know you are thankful. Our thoughts are with you! Sheila - Posted by: Marge & Red Geldmacher (Life Long Friend) on: Apr 20, 2015
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Connie was a wonderful and kind person. We were very blessed to know Connie. - Posted by: George and Pat Dawson (Friends) on: Apr 20, 2015
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Bob, Sheila and family Please know that I'm thinking of you during this difficult time and am deeply sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Eileen Kolberg () on: Apr 20, 2015
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Connie was a beautiful, kind and generous woman. When my husband Greg and I first moved to Winnipeg in 2000 with our baby boy, Connie was instrumental in helping us find a house and learn about our new home. She really made the first few years of living in a new city so much easier. I loved her laugh and enjoyed our conversations about our common career of nursing. She was intelligent and interesting and engaged in the world. Connie was a very special person and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We wish Bob, Sheila, Dave, Laura, Matthew and Mark our heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Denise Smith and family (Friend) on: Apr 20, 2015
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Bob & Family: We are very sorry to hear of Connie's passing. May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. - Posted by: Jo & Henry Dellapenta (Neighbours) on: Apr 19, 2015
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Connie's family. Connie was a close friend and neighbour to Lucille Wilkinson, Sam's sister. When Lucille passed away in l994 Connie was there for her. Sam & I saw Connie and Bob at social functions through the years. She was beautiful inside and out. So sorry to hear of Connie's passing. - Posted by: Sam & Lynn Cascisa (friends) on: Apr 19, 2015
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Bob and family: May the love and support of your family and friends comfort you in the loss of Connie. A beautiful spirit has moved on. - Posted by: CherylTelford () on: Apr 19, 2015
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Dear Bob, Sheila & I are so sorry to hear of Connie's passing. The last time we were together was at your 25th wedding anniversary, what a great time that was. Sheila and I have retired to St. Thomas, ON to be with our two boys and grandchildren. Bob, we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Regards, Larry and Sheila - Posted by: Larry Chapman (friend from DMCI ) on: Apr 19, 2015
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Our most sincere condolences to the family. May the memories of your beautiful Mom carry you through this most difficult time. Rob, Franca, Davide and Dante - Posted by: Sheila, Dave and to all the family (Friends of Sheila and Dave) on: Apr 19, 2015
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So sorry to hear of Connie's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was a pleasure to know her. She will be missed. - Posted by: George & Marlene Hobson (Friend, co-worker) on: Apr 19, 2015
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Dear Ken and Sheila, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Remembering the many times over the years you've mentioned your family Ken, we hope you are able to take some strength from being with them at this time. Our thoughts are with you. Cathy, Mark and girls - Posted by: Cathy Finch and family (friend of Ken McGrath and Sheila McGuigan) on: Apr 19, 2015
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Bob. So sorry to hear about Connie. She was a beautiful person inside and out. - Posted by: Jim&kaye Passey (friend) on: Apr 19, 2015
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My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and Sheila and family. Connie's smile would light up a room and a heart every time she appeared. I remember Connie and Sheila zipping thru the halls of DMCI laughing. Connie's legacy is her large circle of friends that will love and support Bob and Sheila. It is a privilege to have known her. - Posted by: Nancy Robson (friend) on: Apr 19, 2015
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Our condolences to you Bob and Sheila. - Posted by: Noreen and Stephen avey (Nursing classmate) on: Apr 18, 2015
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Our condolences to the family. Connie & Bob were great neighbours. - Posted by: The Busby family (Neighbours) on: Apr 18, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear of Connie's passing. We enjoyed our 3 years with all our fellow classmates at the WGH. We all loved getting together for our Reunions. We will dearly miss her at our 50th Reunion in 2016. - Posted by: Judy (Brydon) Whittaker (Classmate from WGH Class of 66) on: Apr 18, 2015
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Ken - we are so sorry for your loss. After reading about your sister I realize 'it must run in the family'. You come from a wonderful family and I hope you can support one another at this time. Peace - Posted by: Denise Swing & family (friend of KencGrath) on: Apr 18, 2015
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Our condolences to the Smullen family. We will cherish the memories that Connie brought to our family, her infectious laugh her kindness and her compassion for others. Connie will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Jennifer Barnett (nee Sanborn) and family (Family Friend) on: Apr 18, 2015
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Bob - Sheila, Dave, Laura, Matthew & Mark. I am so saddened by Connie's passing but know she is happy, & free of pain & suffering now; in a better place where she will continue to watch over her family & her spirit will live on forever in your lives. I will forever miss her infectious "giggle" & will always remember her so many kindnesses to me. I am so sorry that she lost her battle & you lost your wife, mother & "Grammy". God will continue to be with you & comfort you as you continue to grieve & remember. With love & heartfelt sympathy. - Posted by: Linda Hanner (Aunt to Sheila & Dave) on: Apr 18, 2015
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She was the family treasure. She will be close to you in your memories of your life together at home and abroad. Now she is free from the dreaded cancer pain. - Posted by: Lawrence and Betty Harman (Vasa Lund Estates neighours) on: Apr 18, 2015
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