Constance “Connie” N. Kuiaski, 88, of Eastern Drive, Middletown, and Essex Meadows Health Center, Essex, CT, died peacefully Thursday August 16, 2012 at Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit.

     She was born in Middletown, CT, and was the daughter of the late Stephen G. and Nellie L. (Klemba) Kuiaski. She attended the Ona Wilcox School of Nursing, Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, became a Registered Nurse, and eventually went on to spend most of her career as a Psych Nurse and Supervisor at CT Valley Hospital, Middletown until her retirement.

     Connie was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and will be greatly missed by many. She enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening, her dogs and cats, raising farm animals including her beloved steers, playing accordion, piano, and polka dancing. Connie continued to study medicine, especially alternative medicine throughout her entire life. She could always be found reading, learning, and studying something new. Even throughout her adult years, Connie continued her education at various colleges and universities in the area. Later in life, she developed a passion for real estate and house remodeling projects.

     She is survived by her two nieces, Brenda Lynn Hollinger of Middletown, CT, and Audrey M. (Clark) Murphy of Sudbury, MA. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Stanley G. Kuiaski, Middletown, CT, and by her three sisters, Maryann (Kuiaski) Clark, wife of David Clark, Sudbury, MA; Teresa R. Kuiaski, Middletown, CT; Dorothy A. (Kuiaski) Hollinger, wife of Mark Hollinger, Akron, PA. Connie resided for the last 15 months at Essex Meadows Health Center, Essex, CT. The family would like to thank the skilled and loving staff at Essex Meadows, Middlesex Hospital, the Hospice Unit Care Team, Dr. Peter Dixon of Essex, and all her caregivers and friends who provided quality compassionate care with kindness and support over the last several years.

     The Funeral Liturgy will be held Thursday (Aug. 23rd) at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, at the corner of Silver Street and Elm St., Middletown. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Joseph’s Indian School, www.stjo.org; American Leprosy, www.leprosy.org; Smile Train cleft surgeries, www.smiletrain.org; or Middlesex Hospital Weiss Hospice Unit, www.midhosp.org.