Obituary: Wimberley, Constance Ann
She had an amazing 88 year life beginning in Butte, MT and ending in Maui, her home since 1983.
She began her adult life in Spokane WA, meeting her future husband, Bill at an USO dance.
When Bill was shipped to Burma, Connie decided to join the Coast Guard where she served for two years.
Following their WWII service they were married in Cleveland Ohio.
Moving to Spokane after the war, Connie worked and had their first child while Bill attended law school and began a law practice.
In the very early years Connie was a hands on partner, handling all of the administrative work while they built their business.
In the following years Connie raised three more children while volunteering for many charitable causes.
She found her calling working with those who were too disabled or ill to help themselves.
On the mainland Connie worked primarily with those people suffering with severe physical disabilities, earning a special award for her efforts.
On Maui Connie devoted her time to those afflicted with Aids during the early years when so little help was available and fear stopped many people from reaching out.
Into her 70’s Connie served this population by driving daily from Kihei to Kula to help patients.
When faced with the most challenging symptoms Connie closed her eyes and remembered that these very ill people could be her own children, giving her the strength to do the work needed.
Many people will remember Connie for her quick wit and beautiful smile.
Up until four days before her passing, she kept us laughing.
On the other hand Connie suffered a life-long battle with clinical depression.
She spoke publicly about this issue in the hopes that others would seek treatment and help.
In her late 70’s Connie traveled to China with her son Ray and her church friends to the Great Wall and other historical monuments.
In her 80’s she went on her last great motor-home trip through the northwest of the U.S. and Canada.
She kept her traveling companions entertained by singing and reciting original poetry through a cardboard paper towel tube.
Connie was beautiful, strong, honest, smart, loyal and hilarious.
She was her husband’s best friend and champion, his most fierce supporter and partner throughout their 67 years of marriage.
She is survived by her husband Bill of Kihei, son Marc (Veena) of Huelo, daughter Barbara (Robert Hartman) of Keokea, daughter Susan of Kihei and son Ray (Kathy Shipman) of Kihei, five grand- children and six great-grandchildren.
We wish her peace.
The Wimberley Family wishes to extend their most heartfelt thanks to the Hospice volunteers and staff who were with us during these last months.
We send our love and gratitude especially to Meghan and Joanie of Hospice who made Connie’s transition one of peace and love.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday April 3, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Makawao at 1:00 PM.