The Beautiful Spirit of Connie Kearny

I can’t remember exactly when I first met Connie Kearny, but I feel like I have known her almost as long as I have lived in Durham. It feels wrong to think of Durham without Connie, but sadly that has been the situation for the last two days as she passed away after a long decline with Lewy Body Dementia.

Connie was always a kind gentle southern woman with more style than most. As a member of Hope Valley Garden Club we spent many years at meetings and auctions together. For years I would go to her house, a reflection of Connie’s love of black and white and buy clothes from her. Carter attended her Courtesy Camp at HVCC and would come home full of better manners.

Connie’s husband Phil and I used to joke that he and I were cousins since we shared the middle name of Henderson as we do-auctioneered for Caring House together. Phil and their daughters have been devoted to caring for Connie. Connie was loved by all who knew her.

Her dear friends would bring her to garden club when she was unable to come on her own and they would include her in many activities. It was no wonder as Connie was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by our community.

I am sending love to Phil, Kelsey and Sarah and Connie’s sister Belinda and all Connie’s dear friends who are grieving. Sadly I will be in Boston on Friday when the service for Connie’s wonderful life will be celebrated at Trinity Ave. Presbyterian Church.

Connie’s wonderful spirit is free from the body which failed her, but will live on in the happy memories and lives she touched.