Obituary of Connie E. Walmsley

Cornelia E. "Connie" Walmsley of Lewiston, passed peacefully on Tuesday March 25, 2014. Beloved wife of over 60 years to Jack; loving mother of Margi (Jack) Strombeck, and the late MSG Thomas (Theresa), devoted grandmother of Erica Strombeck and Angelique Foote. Also survived by a countless number of dear friends, and her beloved poodle DJ. Connie was born November 19, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Lt. Col. Cornelius L. Bucknum & Emily H. Bamford, raised an Army brat, and attended Waller High School in Chicago. Connie received her B.S. in Education from National College of Education in Evanston, IL and her M.S. from Buffalo State. She was a past officer and member of many Lewiston organizations, and was especially proud of her involvement with the Lewiston Public Library, College Club of Niagara Falls, Albright Knox Gallery, and The Tatler. She committed her life to education, teaching at many various schools around the country. Her passions included her family, gardening, traveling the world, and most importantly - cooking & entertaining. She was the first female inductee into the American Academy of Chefs, and twice the proud recipient of the ACF President's Medallion, and was famous for her parties. A memorial service will take place at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 400 Ridge St., Lewiston on Thursday, March 27, at 10:30 am with the Rev. Diane Pike officiating. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to The Tatler, Inc. Preservation Fund, 6 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.