ST. GEORGE — Constance ‘Connie’ Davis Lehtinen, 88, died peacefully, surrounded by the love of her daughter and care givers at the Owls Head Homestead, Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

Born March 26, 1934, in the Keag, South Thomaston, Connie was the daughter of Albert and Carolyn Sleeper Davis. At the age of 4, Connie ran away from home to the schoolhouse next door. The teachers allowed her to stay and she continued with that class, graduating in 1951 from Rockland High School as one of the youngest members of the class. Those classmates became life-long friends, and she enjoyed weekly luncheons with them for many years.

On December 12, 1954, Connie married Hugo ‘Sonny’ Lehtinen, Jr. The couple lived in South Thomaston for several years before moving to Tenants Harbor where they built a home together. Connie loved her Barter’s Point home, and remained there even after Sonny’s passing in 2006, living there for over 54 years.

Throughout her life, Connie was a caregiver and home maker, caring full time for her daughters with Cystic Fibrosis, including physical therapy. Connie worked outside the home a few times filling in as a lunch lady at the St. George Elementary School in the late 1960s. She was a natural born horticulturist and kept beautiful gardens around her home. She was an avid scrabble player and enjoyed doing puzzles, owning a large collection of them. She and Sonny enjoyed going on Sunday drives, and in later years she could be seen riding with her life-long friend Roger Shaw. She was an accomplished knitter, making many pieces and giving them as gifts.

Connie had a special place in her heart for animals, especially the dogs she rescued. She adopted several yellow labs over the years, but her most recent companion was her Miniature Schnauzer, Damien, her best friend. Connie’s bright smile, hearty laugh and warm spirit will be missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her husband, Sonny in 2006; her daughters, Susan R. Lehtinen, Lynn E. Lehtinen, and Sonya L. Lehtinen; a brother, Albert ‘Sonny’ Davis; a nephew, Glenn Hall; and a granddaughter, Sarina Nicole Ehrlich;

Connie is survived by her beloved daughter Sally A. Lehtinen of Rockland; her nieces and nephews: Denny Davis, Kerry Davis Sturks, Jerry Hall, Ron Hall, Sandra Hall, Diane Hall and Jenny Maltais all of St. George; and dear family friend, Roger Shaw of New Harbor.

The family would like to especially thank the wonderful and caring staff at the Homestead in Owls Head for their love and devotion.

Family and friends are invited to visit Monday, December 19, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 1 p.m., led by Reverend Pat Bessey of the Unity Center for Spiritual Growth. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of her service will be available on her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com, click on “Photos and Videos” tab, then Watch Webcast. Memories and condolences may be shared at that same website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. George Firefighters and Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.