“Accentuate the positive…. Eliminate the negative.” That was the message, and those were the words, that Connie Lemonde lived by. The message of God’s love and the beauty that shines forth in each and every one of us, and in our world all around us, was Connie’s message.
Constance J. Lemonde, 88, of Woonsocket died peacefully Monday March 29, 2021 at The Friendly Home. Affectionately known to all as “Connie”, she was born and raised in Woonsocket, a daughter of the late Gerard and Alice (Badeau) Lemonde. She was a resident of Woonsocket for most of her life. Connie was a graduate of St. Clare Girls High School.
As a young woman Connie lived in religious life as a member of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate. From the mid-1950s to the early-1970s she served at a number of places around the country in fostering and furthering the mission of her Order.
After her years in religious life Connie returned to her beloved hometown of Woonsocket. It was here she would spend the rest of her days amongst her family and friends. Connie’s missionary work never really ended…. It just took different forms. Connie was employed by the State of Rhode Island as an employment interviewer for many years before retiring in 1994.
Connie was a well-known presence on local radio stations, and in the greater Woonsocket community, with her weekly radio show “Accentuate the Positive”. Connie’s beaming smile and cheerful personality were a presence at many events and gatherings in the community. Connie always sought to build bridges and bring people together. She was very welcoming and supportive of many people in the community. Connie sponsored and assisted many Laotian families who came as refugees to the United States in the 1980s. She helped them settle in Woonsocket and gave of her time to teach English and assist them in acclimating to their new home.
Connie was also a supporter and contributor to the local artistic scene, especially several art establishments in and around downtown Woonsocket. As an artist herself Connie expressed her feelings by creating many beautiful paintings. Connie was also a prolific author, penning about a dozen books on a variety of subjects, many concerning how to live a better, more wholesome and happy life. As well as books on how to deal with some of the more difficult situations that happen in life.
Connie saw each day as a gift from God. Not one to let such a gift go to waste Connie sought to bring the message of happiness, peace and joy to all who were blessed to cross her path.
Connie would want to be sure to say a great big “Thank you!” to all those who provided her with top-notch care in recent weeks while she spent her final days at The Friendly Home. Connie would say that it was more than coincidental, more likely providential, that she concluded her time on earth at a place called “The Friendly Home”…. That was Connie…all the way!
Connie is survived by her brother Normand G. Lemonde and his wife Jane of Wall, New Jersey. She was the beloved aunt of Dr. Ryan Lemonde, Gerard Lemonde, Lisa Mastello and Nicole Montes and their families. Connie is also survived by her adopted family Mike and Yen Partridge and their children McKale and Marie who called her “Lola Connie”, as well as Yen’s mother Nanay.
In accordance with her wishes Connie will be laid to rest at St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery in Bellingham with a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org or the Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary 266 Mendon Rd. Woonsocket, RI. 02895.
Arrangements are in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.com