CONSTANCE ANNIE BAILLIE (LENNON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CONSTANCE ANNIE BAILLIE (nee LENNON) December 6, 1923 - January 15, 2006 Connie Baillie passed away peacefully in her sleep the night of January 15th. She was predeceased by husband, James Baillie, January 1988, and parents and sister, John Lennon, Elizabeth Lennon and Margaret Brown of Toronto. Connie is survived by her children Lynne Partington, James Baillie, Rae Kerver (Hank) and John Baillie (Renee Beaubien); grandchildren, Peter Kerver, Jennifer Lohnes, Heather Seniuk (Ron), Elizabeth Serhal (Danny), Geoffrey Partington, Robert Partington, and Dylan Baillie; great-grandchildren Stephanie Lohnes, Coleton Seniuk, Jessica Lohnes, and Cooper Seniuk. Due to the poor health Connie suffered in the last 30 years of her life, it is easy to forget how vibrant a person she once was. For many years her most identifying traits were a happy, uninhibited laugh and the joy she found in her grandchildren. Even in her declining years, she still found happiness in the births of her last grandchild Dylan and her four great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Jessica, Coleton and Cooper. While missed by all, her son Jim will have the strongest memories, as he was her primary caregiver and housemate for the last 17 years of her life at home. The family would like to thank the staff of Oakview Extendicare for their attentive nursing of Connie during the last year. Connie was born and grew up in Toronto, where she worked in an armaments factory during the Second World War. During this time, she met a young air force radar operator, James Baillie, one afternoon at the CNE. They were married on July 17, 1943, and moved to Winnipeg after the war ended, living most of their lives together in Charleswood and St. James. Also during the war Connie struck up a pen pal relationship with Dorothy Burroughs of Lowestoft, England, a correspondence the two women maintained for over forty years. A highlight of Connie and her daughter Lynne's trip to England in the early 1970s was when Connie and Dorothy were able to meet in person for the first time. For many years, Connie worked in the receiving dock of Eaton's Department Store as a parcel wrapper. Connie and Jim enjoyed many happy hours at their cottage at Nutimik Lake in the Whiteshell, where Connie developed her hobby of painting landscapes of the surrounding scenery. She was also an avid gardener, and always enjoyed the colour and vibrancy of a beautiful floral display. Remembrances may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Connie's memory. Cremation has taken place, and a private funeral service has been held for the immediate family at Chapel Lawn. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2006