Mrs.Constance Shea Copes

WATERBURY- At 102, Constance Shea Copes passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 11,2025, her loving family by her side.

Constance was born in Waterbury, March 15, 1923, eldest daughter of Edward A. & Mary C. (Scozzafava) O’Loughlin. She was the beloved wife of the late Bernard J. Shea for 26 years and beloved wife of the late Francis Copes for 22 years.A 1940 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, prior to marrying Bernie in 1947, Connie worked as Executive Secretary at the Oakville Company, Division of Scoville Manufacturing, then as Secretary to the Corporation Counsel and Mayor of the City of Waterbury. In later years she worked part-time as a medical secretary and receptionist where her astute knowledge of triage saved more than one patient. Connie enjoyed bowling as a member of the East Mountain Bowling League with her lifelong friend, the late Laurine Hickey Ghent. She was active in Girl Scouts, Wendell Cross P.T.A., East Mountain Community Club, the A.O.H. and the Irish American Community Club where she attended Irish Language classes until just 3 weeks before she passed away! Connie cherished and enjoyed her family and friends, making the most of every moment throughout life. An only child till age 8, Connie loved being big sister to Joan and Jack who loved her dearly.

In addition to her two husbands, Constance is preceded in death bydaughters, Patricia Shea McGrath and her infant twin Bernadette Shea, her sister,Joan T. Smotas and many beloved family members and friends. Constance is survived by her brother, John M. O’Loughlin, son-in-law, Thomas J. McGrath, daughter, Maria Shea Terrell and her husband Bob Terrell, daughter, Margaret Shea and Fran’s girls, their husbands, his son and their families towhom she was Grandma Copes: Lois Redline, Carolyn & Frank Barrows, Claudia & Jack Purcell and Paul Copes. She also leaves her daughters’ children: John McGrath, Jane Paul, Edward Terrell, Robert Terrell, Daniel LaMontagne, Bernadette LaMontagne, Theresa LaMontagne & Matthew LaMontagne and their families.

The family thanks Dr. David Pizzuto for his caring and consummate medical expertise as Constance’s physician.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.Funeral Tuesday, July 15th with calling hour 9-10 AM at Casey Funeral Home, 1987 East Main ST, Waterbury, to ST. Anthony Church, Prospect for Mass at 10:30 AM. Burial ST Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven.