Cornelia C. Giles

Cornelia C. Giles
Honored for her work
in the Townsend and senior community; 85

TOWNSEND -- Cornelia C. Giles, 85, of Townsend, died Friday, August 31, 2012, at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley, Littleton.

Connie leaves three sons; James Capsalis and his wife, Patricia with whom she resided in Townsend, Paul Capsalis and his wife, Nancy, of Barnstead, NH, John Capsalis of Jonesboro, Tennessee. She also leaves 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

She was born in Wakefield, MA on May 31, 1927, the daughter of Achilles and Helen Patterson. Connie grew up in Wakefield and Lowell, was a graduate of Lowell High School and then continued her education at Lowell Commercial College where she studied business administration. She later attended courses in fashion design and for 10 years worked as a merchandise buyer for the former A.G. Pollard Department Store and Bon Marche Store in Lowell.

For 25 years, she worked with her former husband,, Dr. Arthur H. Giles, as an assistant in his Billerica podiatry practice. During this time she became very active in many professional organizations including a 25 year membership of the National Podiatric Political Committee, Life Membership of the National American Association of Podiatric and Medical Assistants, Charter Member of the Massachusetts Podiatric Assistant Association and a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs.

After moving to Townsend nearly 20 years ago, she remained active in her community. She was a member of the Townsend Congregational Church, Townsend Golden Age Club, Townsend Women's Club and the Townsend Historical Society. She was an active member as well as a Life Member of the Townsend Senior Citizens and served on the Board of Directors. She was a member of the Townsend 275th Anniversary Committee and Chaired the Parade Hospitality Committee. She was a member of the nominating committee for the William E. May Endowment Fund. Connie had also volunteered her time at the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley, Littleton.

In May 2008, in a Massachusetts State House Ceremony, Connie was awarded the "Unsung Heroine" Award by the Massachusetts Commission for the Status of Women for her undying commitment to her community and the Town of Townsend.

In June that same year, she was nominated by the Friends of the Townsend Seniors to receive the 2008 "William E. May Endowment Award", which was presented to her in a dinner held in her honor at Townsend Ridge Country Club that October.

Connie passed away in the arms of her family peacefully at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley. She was a tirelessly dedicated member of the community, whose love and compassion will be dearly missed by many.

"No life is truly lost, until all the lives it has touched are gone."
GILES -- A funeral service will be held 10 A.M., Wednesday, September 5th at Townsend Congregational Church, Brookline Street, Townsend. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours are 5-8 p.m., Tuesday at the T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 250 Main Street (Rte. 119), Townsend Center. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information.