Constance Weiser "Connie" Gregg

1929 - 2025

Constance Weiser Gregg (Connie) passed away on September 27, 2025, after a short illness.

Born on December 3, 1929, in Williamsport, Pa., she was the daughter of F. Walter Weiser and Ruth Crowe Weiser. She graduated from Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Ill., in 1948, and spent her summers at Lauderdale Lakes in Elkhorn, Wis.

In 1952, Connie graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. After college, she worked as a stewardess with United Airlines. Seven years later, she joined the National Livestock and Meat Board in Chicago, where she worked in public relations promoting the meat industry. She developed recipes and conducted live cooking demonstrations for nationally syndicated radio and television programs.

In May 1960, while in Nassau, Bahamas, Constance W. Gregg met Percival Porcher "Shay" Gregg Jr. of Virginia Beach. They married on December 31, 1960, and shared a loving marriage until his passing on June 16, 2012.

Connie dedicated much of her life to volunteer service, often drawing on her professional background in public relations. In Virginia Beach, she served on the boards of the Fine Arts Center of Virginia, the YMCA, and the Junior League of Norfolk/Virginia Beach. She also served on the board of the American Red Cross as Chairman of Volunteers and later worked in public relations for the International Society of the Red Cross. Additionally, she was past president of both the Junior and Senior Virginia Beach Garden Clubs and chaired the national public relations committee of the Garden Club of America.

In 1987, Connie and Shay visited Boca Grande for the first time. She fell in love with the island immediately, and within 36 hours they purchased property and built what became their beloved seasonal residence. She resumed her volunteer activities both in Virginia Beach and Boca Grande. She served on the stewardship committee and Altar Guild at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and was a member of the Planters Garden Club.

Her devotion to Royal Palm Players earned her multiple Volunteer of the Year awards. She was also a member of the Boca Grande Woman's Club, and in later years, served as a docent at Boca Bargains.

A talented needlepoint artist, Connie's beautiful work is proudly displayed at Galilee, St. Andrew's, St. Margaret's School, and Christ Church in South Carolina, among others. She lovingly created more than 100 custom monogrammed pillows as gifts for friends and family.

Connie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Shay. She is survived by her daughter, Janet Porcher Gregg of Charleston, S.C.; her son, Percival Porcher Gregg III of Virginia Beach; and her sister, Carol Rooker and brother-in-law Les Rooker of Naples, Fla.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and devotion of Connie's caregivers.

A memorial service will be held in Boca Grande at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church or the Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation.