Constance “Connie” Hess

Constance M. (Orris) Hess, 88, passed away Wednesday, September 26, surrounded by her loving family and dear friend at her home after a three month illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Mildred Orris; brother Frank Norman Orris and nephew Christian N. Hankey. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert M. Hess, devoted sister Susanne Hankey (Robert), daughter Jocelyn Hess-Wigder (Kim), sons Douglas Hess (Diane) and Randy Hess (Christina); her grandchildren Jessica Hess, Matthew Hess, Daniel Hess, Emily Hess, Colin Hess and Ethan Wigder; niece Heather Stevens, nephews Ray Orris, Gary Orris (Billie), Sands Orris (Kathleen), James Hankey (Kathy); cousins John Moulthrop (Ronnie), James Moulthrop (Martie) and Chris Pierce (Don), as well as several great nieces and nephews and innumerable friends. Connie was a graduate of the U-E class of 1948 and a more devoted Tiger fan was not to be found. She was a passionate member of the U-E Class of ’48 committee where she held the position of secretary and co-writer of “The Grapevine” newsletter. She helped plan numerous reunions and events, right up to this year’s 70th reunion in July. Her involvement and dear life time friends brought her endless joy. Connie worked as a secretary at IBM corporation where she met her husband and many friends. After a long leave of absence to raise her children, she returned to IBM as a well respected member of the education department. She retired in 1995. She was a life long, devoted and very active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Endicott. She was involved in numerous committees and outreach. Connie was also a member of the Antiques Society, Endicott Women’s Club and the National Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteered countless hours at the American Red Cross and for years at the BC/Dicks Open. She adored travel. Her upbeat spunk and smile brought so much joy and happiness to many lives. She lit up a room when she entered, her absence will leave this world a little less bright.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 10 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Jefferson Avenue, Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott Friday from 4-7 pm. Expressions of sympathy in Connie’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross, 620 East Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.