Constance Achin

Constance Achin of Lowell, active in politics, local charities; 83 LOWELL Constance Pyne Achin, 83, died November 20, 2007, following an extended illness. Connie was the daughter of Joseph G. and Mary (Dunn) Pyne, who instilled in their daughter the values that shaped her character; passion for life-long learning, commitment to her community through public service, and dedication to her family. After graduating from Lowell High School in 1941, Connie worked at the Remington Arms Company, the Boston Port Embarkation Office, and Traders and Mechanics Insurance. She then took advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime by joining the administrative staff of International Ice Attractions, later called Ice Capades. She traveled throughout the US and Canada, visiting every state except Alaska and Hawaii. Upon her return to Lowell, her great beauty resulted in a contract to model. She had a successful and exciting career in both print and showroom work. After marrying Frederick C. Achin of Lowell, Connie dedicated herself to raising her six children while living in Lowell and, later, Tewksbury. She was active in many charitable and civic organizations in Greater-Lowell. She served as President of St. Joseph's Hospital Ladies' Guild, President of the D'Youville Manor Ladies' Guild, and volunteered at the Loella Dewing School in Tewksbury, where she worked extensively with special needs children. Connie's love for her daughter Suzanne, who had Down syndrome, allowed her to see the potential and beauty in every child. Connie's dedication to public service was legendary. She became interested in politics in 1952 while campaigning for her brother-in-law, State Senator Paul Achin. From that point forward, she became was a one-woman campaign machine for many Republican candidates such as Congressmen Brad Morse and Paul Cronin, gubernatorial candidates Francis Hatch and Andrew Card, and many others. She also led the volunteer effort that helped to elect her daughter, Nancy to the Massachusetts State Senate in 1990. Connie was the President of the Greater Lowell Women's Republican Club, and was elected to the Massachusetts Republican State Committee. Through her work in politics, she made many wonderful lifelong friends. She was appointed a Middlesex County Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff John Buckley and continued to serve under Sheriff Edward Henneberry. She was most proud of her early support for President George H. W. Bush. She continued to serve Lowell's citizens later in her life as both an Election Commissioner, and as a Commissioner of the Lowell Housing Authority for 10 years. Connie is survived by four of her six children, Frederick C. Achin Jr. of Lowell, Patrice Kenny of Apopka, FL, Nancy Audesse of Wenham MA, and Kristin Mazza of Longwood, FL. Connie counted her children's spouses among her dearest friends and loved them, including Emanuela Achin, Henry Audesse, Laurence Kenny, and Joseph Mazza. Her daughters, Suzanne Elyse and Elizabeth Ann predeceased her. She is survived by her five beloved grandchildren, Justine Achin, Thomas Beraldi, Morgan Mazza, Britney Constance Achin, and Jeremy Mazza. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, and countless friends, particularly her dearest friend, Joan Archambault of Lowell. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph G Pyne, Jr., his wife, Patricia (Powell), and their daughters, Patricia Rindo and Amanda Filandrianos, all of Pepperell. Her sister, Elaine Pyne Gibson died in 1996. Her brother, John Pyne died earlier this year, but is survived by his wife, Shannon, of Duxbury. ACHIN Constance (Pyne) Achin, 83, of Lowell, MA, formerly of Tewksbury, died Nov. 20, 2007. Family and friends may call on Monday, Nov. 26th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the ARCHAMBAULT FUNERAL HOME, 309-311 Pawtucket St., Lowell. Funeral Tuesday morning with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 o'clock at the Immaculate Conception Church, 144 E. Merrimack St., Lowell. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell, MA. The family respectfully suggests that anyone wishing to honor Connie's life do so with a donation to: J. G. Pyne Arts Scholarship Fund, c/o Joy Sorota, 145 Boylston St., Lowell, MA 01852. Funeral Director Victor J. Archambault II, (978-459-9315).