ROCKLAND — Constance L. Curtis, 80, died unexpectedly at her home Friday, Oct. 5, 2012.

Born in Damariscotta Aug. 21, 1932, she was the daughter of Fred and Ida Smith. Connie grew up in Round Pond, where she attended local schools.

She later married and moved to Rockland. In earlier years she worked at area seafood factories.

In addition to raising her family, Connie's greatest accomplishment was completing 25 years opening her home and helping shape the lives of foster children, which at last count, totaled an even 100.

She enjoyed horse races, playing bingo and poker. Connie was particularly interested in watching people.

Other than her parents, Connie was pre-deceased by her husband, John E. Curtis Sr. Sept. 26, 2003; a brother, James Smith; a half brother, Malcolm Smith; and a sister, Arlene Benner. She is survived by two sons, Gerald S. Willey Sr. and his wife, Gail, of Union and Zachary J. Curtis and his wife, Jennifer, of Rockland; a daughter, Cheryl J. Gamage and her husband, James E. Sr., of Rockland; two sisters, Janice Brehm and her husband, Richard, of Warren and Esther "Tootie" Thompson and her husband, Kenneth, of Rockport; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Smith of Rockland; six grandchildren, Gerald Willey Jr. and his wife, Tracy, John Willey and his companion, Jennifer, James Gamage Jr. and his wife, Michelle, Kim Heald and her husband, Michael, Michael Gamage and his companion, Katie, and Jacob Curtis; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside committal service will be held Friday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at Achorn Cemetery on Old County Road in Rockland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miles of Hope, 21 Limerock St., Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or story with Connie's family, visit her online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.