Connie “Tina” Townsend

Connie “Tina” Townsend (nee Sestito) 92, went to be with her Lord and savior on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Connie was born February 1, 1930, in Holiday Cove, West Virginia to Bruno and Mary (nee Guzzo) Sestito. She was married to Wayne Townsend for 72 years, until he passed away in 2018. She was proud to be married to a World War II Marine. Connie was a devout Christian and it showed in her daily life. Her family and friends knew they were in her prayers, always. She spent the first half of her life in Cleveland, until moving to Medina in the 1970s. Connie was the Matriarch of the family. Every holiday was at Grammy’s table, and everyone was invited as well as their friends. Every birthday had a card and a song, and each life event was celebrated. Though cooking was her passion Connie was a hairdresser and loved to talk, which was very much a part of her life. When Alzheimer’s stole her words, the unrelenting chanting of “OY” began. Though its origin was never understood, “OY” replaced the words she could no longer find. It will be often repeated by all of us with affection.

Before all of this began with Connie’s broken hip and her husbands passing, their daughter Linda who lived close by, would often check in on them, taking Connie on errands dropping off food doctor visits or just visiting. Linda also spent a lot of time dealing with the after math of their decline, including the difficult task of going through decades of belongings and selling their home. When Connie was no longer able to take care of herself, with a broken hip and Alzheimer’s setting in, daughter Coleen and husband Bill took her into their home in Beloit for the last 4 years. As a monumental task as it was, they would do it all again. Coleen and bill had her until the last few months of her illness, when skilled care beyond their ability was required. Connie was then placed in Allay Senior Memory Care in Meyers Lake who made her last few months as comfortable as possible

In addition to her husband Wayne, Connie was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Joe, parents and many friends and family.

To those of us left behind: daughters; Linda (Jerry) Boardman of Hinckley, and Coleen (Bill) Helsley of Beloit, Grandchildren; Dan (Carrie) Nunnari, Dena Nunnari, Jessica Koorey, Anthony (Heather) Koorey great-grandchildren; Nate (Hallie) Anson, and Elizabeth; great-great grandchild, Novalee; brother, Bruno; sister; Catherine and many nieces and nephews.

Be comforted that as ravaged as she was mentally and physically, even though she lost faces and names, she always knew we were family and loved ones and loved all your cards, flowers, and candy.

A very special thanks to Deb, whose loving and skilled care helped nurse Connie during these difficult final years and hours. Also, special thanks to Crossroads Hospice for their comfort.

There will be no calling hours. The family will have a private ceremony. Condolences and special memories of Connie can be shared with her family online at

www.heritagecremationsociety.com

. (330)875-5770