Conchita "Connie" (Cortez) Oppelt

Conchita “Connie” Oppelt, age 84, of Colchester, passed away peacefully at Harrington Court on Sunday, December 29, 2019. Born in Philadelphia, PA on April 29, 1935, she was one of seven children born to the late Auerlio & Viola (Fredericks) Cortez. Growing up with such a large family taught Connie the importance of strength and resilience, values she would hold on to throughout her lifetime.

On March 21, 1966, at the age of 30, Connie married the great love of her life, the late Thomas “Tommy” Edward Oppelt. Over the years they were blessed with 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 5 (soon to be 6) great-grandchildren. The couple enjoyed over 47 years of marriage until Tommy’s passing in 2013.

Connie lived a vibrant life; she loved music, dancing, cooking and sweets of any kind; she also enjoyed playing setback, but her infectious smile and laugh always gave her hand away. Although she never graduated high school, Connie instilled the importance of education in her children and grandchildren and consistently showed them the importance of her core values, strength and resilience. In early 2019, that strength and resilience were shown once again as Connie rallied to recover from illness and “graduated” from Hospice care.

Connie is survived by her children, Doreen Oppelt, David Oppelt, Sandra Carrier and her husband William of Colchester, and Thomas Oppelt Jr.; her grandchildren, Rebecca Hooper and her husband Tim, David Oppelt Jr., Jason Carrier and his partner Denise, Todd Carrier, and William Carrier and his partner Talia; and her great-grandchildren, Laurel, Amber, Isabella, Desan, Leyla, and baby Scarlet, who will be arriving in 2020. Connie also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends.

Although this is a very difficult time for the family, they have found comfort in knowing that Connie and Tommy have finally been reunited. During her stay at Harrington Court, her roommate recalled many nights where Connie would meet with her husband in her dreams. They would have long conversations and sing together and she remembered the past and all of the words to their favorite songs, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "Downtown Strutters' Ball," and "I Don't Know Why I Loved You Like I Do."

Connie’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Harrington Court for the excellent care they have provided over the years; their devotion and love for Connie was shown in the quality of life she was able to have while residing there. The family would also like to thank Beacon Hospice for their commitment and compassion during such a difficult time.

Connie’s life will continue to be celebrated every day by those who loved her.  Therefore, in accordance with her wishes and in lieu of a formal funeral service, the family requests that memorial donations in her name are made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America via www.alzfdn.org/donate or to Our Companions Animal Rescue & Sanctuary via www.ourcompanions.org/donate 

The Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.