Constance Darnowski Stoll

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Constance Darnowski Stoll, 88, two
time Olympian, of Uncasville, CT on August 2, 2023 after a short battle with lymphoma.
Constance was born on November 10, 1934, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY to Michael and Mary
Darnowski and proudly raised there amongst a close, large family enjoying roller skating, pool
and beach days. Most significantly, she spent time at McCarren Park with her father where she
began running, entering her first track meet at the age of 12. This led to a long career in track
and field.
Connie qualified for the United States Olympic team in the 1952 Olympiad in Helsinki Finland,
competing in the 80 meter hurdles as the US champion. In 1955 she competed in the Pan
American Games in Mexico and then again was a member of the 1956 US Olympic Team
competing in the 80 meter hurdles in Melbourne, Australia. She was later honored to participate
in the 1996 Olympics Torch Relay carrying the Olympic Flame through part of Connecticut.
At this same time, Connie attended Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School and then earned
her mathematics education degree at St. John's School of Education. Over the years she kept
her close knit ties to her schools by continuing reunions with high school girlfriends every year
until her passing and having returned to St.Johns in 1996 to be inducted into their Athletic Hall
of Fame as "a woman of purpose and an athlete of talent".
Connie was a mathematics teacher both at Maria Regina High School in Uniondale, NY and
Plainfield High School in Plainfield, CT. She later became a guidance counselor, vice principal
and principal at Plainfield Central School. Any former student would tell you that Mrs. Stoll was
formidable and respected for her excellent teaching and high expectations for her students'
performance and behavior.
In 1958 Connie married Charles Stoll in Brooklyn, NY. They resided in Ozone Park, Valley
Stream, NY, where they raised their 5 children, Thompson, CT, and finally Hillcrest Community
in Uncasville, CT. As empty nesters they traveled cross country in their camper van and to
Alaska, often visiting family in Florida and lastly to Hawaii.
In all of the places Connie resided she was a devoted, caring, involved member of the
community and as a devout Catholic in the church. It was important to her to lead or take part in
any church and community social events whether it was the Rosary Society events, teaching
CCD, or running the strawberry social.
In the Hillcrest community she enjoyed her painting club, producing a number of pieces that
were used to create calendars as Christmas gifts that her family will treasure forever. She
swam in the community pool with her friends, and was highly competitive in playing bocce,
cornhole and bingo. But nothing could compete with her love of sports, rooting for her beloved
NY Mets, St. John's basketball and watching almost any sporting event that was on TV. As well
she loved watching her Christmas Hallmark movies and going to the casino. She loved sharing
these passions with her family.
She was an inspiration to all, strong in her convictions and in facing any obstacle, fierce in love
for family and friends and the life of the party.
Constance is predeceased by her husband of 61 years Charles Stoll, her brothers Vincent
Darnowski and Michael Darnowski. She's survived by her sister Patricia Studley and husband
Joseph.
She leaves behind her 5 children, son Gerard Stoll and wife Jackie of Amityville, NY, daughters
Elizabeth Munro and husband Ted of West Greenwich, RI, MaryPat Murphy and husband
Stephen of Long Beach, NY, Connie Crameri and husband Greg of Bristol, CT, and Maggie
Lageman and boyfriend Scott Kadlecik of Uncasville, CT, grandchildren Beth, Ryan, Matthew,
Tricia, Stephen, Alex, Zachary and Luke.and great granddaughters Mackenzie, Shea and
Finley.
A Mass of remembrance will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 63 Old Norwich Rd, Quaker
HIll, CT at 11:00 am. A reception at the Hillcrest Community recreation center will follow 12:00 pm -
4:00 pm