July 6, 1941 – October 8. 2023
Connie “Ma” Duquette East, 82, of Bedford, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 8, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Born July 6, 1941, in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the daughter of Arthur J. and Marie C. (Marcoux) Duquette. Connie fell in love with her husband Fred East and they were quickly married on May 10, 1958. This year they celebrated 65 loving years together.
Connie worked for North Lawrence Community Schools for many years. Upon retirement, she and Fred continued their adventures traveling the country and making many new friends along the way. Connie was a member of the Bedford Boat & Sportmen’s Club, Harbor Cove Boat Club in North Port, Florida, AmVets Post 312 of North Port, Florida, Stone City Corvette Club, and the Cedar Valley Golf Couples League. Connie loved fiercely and would do anything for anyone, especially her family.
Surviving are her husband, Fred East of Bedford; children, Kathleen “Kathy” Bechtel of Bedford and Kyle Ellingsworth of Bedford; grandchildren, Adrea (Justin Smith) Simmerman, Alaina (Anthony Zrebiec) Shirley, Alex (Ashley) Shirley, Michael (Makayla) Ellingsworth, and Cody (Jaleena Graber) Ellingsworth; great-grandchildren, Jacob Simmerman, Jacey Simmerman, Jerzey Ellingsworth, Kinley Ellingsworth, Khloe Ellingsworth, and Barrett Shirley; and siblings, Ted (Chris) Duquette of Florida and Michael (Lynne) Duquette of Maine.
Her parents and son-in-law, Phil W. Ellingsworth, preceded her in death.
Cremation has been chosen. In lieu of services, an open house will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 14, at Connie and Fred’s residence for family and friends.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com
