Constance Corning Salm Conlon

Lansing, NY

Constance “Connie” Corning Salm Conlon passed away Monday, February 9, 2015 at the age of 80. Connie was born in Rome, NY on March 22, 1934 to Roy M. Salm and Marion Howe Salm. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Lawrence “Pat” H. Conlon, Jr. She is survived by her two sisters, Royann (Hollis) Blodgett and Nancy Bisenius, sister-in-law Katharine Conlon Payne and several nieces and nephews. In addition, she is also survived by her two children Martin A. Conlon (Sandra), and Lauren E. Conlon (William Radzik). Grandchildren include Chad D. Worsell, Erin L. Worsell, Andrea R. Conlon, M. Ross Conlon, Amber L. Radzik (son Daiker) and great granddaughter, Jordan E. Brinkley. Connie grew up in Town of Rome and graduated as an honor student and member of the first graduating class of Vernon – Verona - Sherrill Central School in 1951. Connie attended the School of Human Ecology at Cornell University, majoring in Home Economics Education, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in May 1955. While at Cornell, Connie was a sister of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and enjoyed serving on the Alumnae Advisory Committee at the Pi Phi house on Triphammer Road following her years at Cornell. It was while at Cornell that Connie met her future husband, Pat, at an impromptu candlelight “party.” An event triggered by Hurricane Hazel which knocked out power to the entire Ithaca area. The party took place across the street from the AGR frat house at her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. The results were immediate as 48 hours later, Connie called to invite Pat to attend her spring formal in two weeks – that’s where it all began, thanks to Hazel! Connie and Pat were married on May 5, 1956 in Verona, NY. Shortly thereafter, as a newly married bride, Connie accompanied Pat to Japan for the remainder of his Army tour of duty. After returning to Lansing, Connie and Pat started their family while living in the Conlon’s ancestral home on North Triphammer Road before settling in their homestead on Conlon Road.

In the early 1970’s, Connie worked at the South Lansing School for Girls as a Home Economics teacher. Connie had the ability to deal with the most troubled girls and these young people who needed one-on-one guidance were assigned to her as she could provide them with a positive experience. She then started her career in 1975 at Cornell University in the College of Veterinary Medicine as an Administrative Manager in the Pathology Department. In 1995, Connie retired from Cornell after 20 years as a well-respected manager who consistently offered support to many professorial and administrative staff.

Connie immersed herself in several community organizations, volunteering numerous hours over so much of her life. As a Charter Member of the Lansing United Methodist Church, Connie was involved in many activities and committees in the church including teaching Sunday School, Nursery, Vacation Bible School, Crop Walk, Talent and Goods Sale for the Youth Mission and the annual Rummage sales. She also volunteered with the Lansing Older Adult Program. Most recently, in 2012, Connie was honored as a Charter Member of the Board of the Lansing Housing Authority for 34 years of service in which she was devoted in helping develop and manage Woodsedge, Lansing’s senior housing community. Connie’s gentle, caring ways and willingness enabled her to work with a variety of people to always get every job done thoroughly and quietly.

Along with her community service, Connie enjoyed working in their vegetable garden which produced bountiful food to share with friends and family members. She also had a green thumb when it came to her flower beds which when in bloom provided a beautiful, fragrant back drop to the ancestral home. Connie enjoyed taking long walks with their dog, Bo, and cross country ski trips with Pat and their friends. In addition, Connie maintained her active lifestyle by faithfully attending aerobics classes regularly in the Lansing community for many years. Connie’s talent with sewing provided years of Halloween costumes for her grandchildren, enjoyment of quilting and producing many hand-made gifts for family and friends. Upon retirement, Connie enjoyed traveling with Pat on special trips to San Diego, California and Maine.

Connie and Pat were married for nearly 58 years. She was a devoted wife who took her marriage vows seriously as demonstrated by her many years of support and care of Pat and her family. Connie’s loving, patient and kind demeanor was simply displayed as a mother in raising her children and in helping to raise and support her grandchildren. She was dedicated to every activity that her family participated in and she quietly encouraged her values and strengths to so many which are evidence of what she truly believed in. Her angelic, gentle spirit was apparent in everything she touched. Connie was a beautiful lady, wonderful hostess and always took that extra step to make sure everyone felt welcomed and included, always with a smiling face and concern for others. Her family and friends looked to Connie for comfort, peace, and unspoken advice. Words cannot express the loss of Connie’s beautiful and diplomatic presence and her kindness will never be forgotten.

Family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Friday, February 20, at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY. A memorial service to celebrate Connie’s life with Pastor Jane Sautter officiating will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21, at Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Connie’s memory can be made to the Lansing United Methodist Church for either Casowasco Camperships or the Haiti Committee.