Constance A. "Connie" Gilbert

MANCHESTER- On June 11, 2018, Connie Gilbert lost her valiant fight with cancer. 

She was born in Nashua, New Hampshire on November 27, 1944 and grew up in Slatington, PA. She worked in a family textile mill for several years.  Thereafter attending Notre Dame College, Connie enlisted in the Army in 1975 until 1983. During her military time, she served in occupied West Berlin, Germany and several cities in the United States. Connie met her partner of 37 years, Shirley Bredemeier while serving in the Army. Together they established their home in Northwood, New Hampshire.  Her employment continued at both the Concord and Manchester Mental Health Clinics.

Connie received much recognition and awards while in the military.  She loved the outdoors and particularly found great joy in fishing and camping.  She loved the New England Patriots football team and seldom missed their TV games.  

Though faced with many health challenges; suffering from three kidney surgeries, falling many times, and severe spinal trauma she ended up in a wheelchair. Connie never gave up.  She seldom complained maintaining a brave outlook, even through countless treatments, hospitalization and much pain.  She continued to bring a smile and joy to everyone around her and remained positive up to the very end of her life.

She was preceded in death by her partner, Shirley Bredemeier and her parents Gerard & Irene Gilbert.  She is survived by her brother, Richard Gilbert and sister, Jacqueline Pickel. She leaves behind other family including nieces and nephews.  Special gratitude goes to those who remained by her side through the years as well as the many neighbors, co-workers and health care personnel who provided Connie with care, devotion and love.

Connie’s life will be celebrated in a small service at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery on Monday, June 18th at 2:30 P.M.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Holy Cross Development Office, 365 Island Pond Rd. Manchester, NH 03109. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Petit-Roan Funeral Home in Pembroke.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.petitroan.com

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