Constance Wilson

Constance R. Wilson 1914-2012 PUTNEY Constance R. Wilson died at her Putney home on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at the age of 97. She was born on August, 1 1914 in Rindge, N.H., to Levi B. Roby and Violet (Hamlin) Roby. On December 3, 1939 Connie married Frank G. Wilson at the Roby home in North Westminster, Vermont and traveled to New York City for a honeymoon. On the way home they stopped in Greenfield to buy groceries with the last of their money. Frank was learning the basket business from his father and eventually they purchased the West River Basket Company, which would later become Basketville. Together Connie and Frank built Basketville from a small town factory to an international business. Connie was devoted to her husband for 69 1/2 years of marriage. She supported Frank when he was drafted in 1944, through good times and bad with the business, and through his final years suffering with Alzheimer's disease. She traveled with him throughout the world purchasing baskets and adding to their collections of Americana. She raised four sons and suffered the tragic loss of three of them with stoic resolve. She enjoyed reading, needlework, her grandchildren, and traveling. She and Frank spent the winters in Venice, Florida and the summers in Putney for nearly 50 years. They often visited Canada and enjoyed the Wells, Maine area. Connie had a close relationship with her only sister Jackie who lived nearby in Dummerston and also spent the winters in Florida. Their friendship of nearly 86 years was a constant source of support and pleasure for them both. Among her family Connie was appreciated for her quiet manner, intelligence, wit and wisdom. Connie was predeceased by her husband Frank, sons Frank, Jr., James, and Steven, sister Jacqueline, brothers Carlton, Robert, and Bertrand. She is survived by her son Gregory and his wife Annette, daughter-in-law Polly, and grandchildren Melissa Bacon, Benjamin, Mary and Emily Wilson of Putney, Jonathan Wilson of Burlington, Anna Wilson of Skaneateles, N.Y., Leah Wilson of Mason, N.H., and James Wilson of Northborough, Mass., and four great grandchildren. The family is grateful for the numerous caregivers who enriched Connie's life in the last five years and for the support of Putney Cares, Dr. Orlan and all who visited and contributed to her care and comfort. Burial at Mt. Pleasant cemetery in Putney will be at the convenience of the family. To sign an online register book with messages of condolence please visit www.atamaniuk.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home Inc.