Obituary of Constance Abbott
Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Constance “Connie” Abbott of Glastonbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 100 on December 30, 2024 surrounded by friends. She was the daughter of Joseph Patrick and Edythe (Kendell) Whalen; born in Maplewood, New Jersey on January 19, 1924.
She grew up in Jamestown, New York and often commented on how her idyllic childhood in Western New York prepared her for a full life of experiences and friendships. The Harry James Orchestra played at her holiday sorority dance. She was a graduate of Syracuse University (1947) and came to Glastonbury in 1949 as a young bride. In the early 1950s, under the guidance of Sally and Dick Moore, who were instrumental in the development of Apple Hill, Connie began a long and successful career in the construction industry with her husband, Lewis Muessig.
Some of her many real estate accomplishments include Evergreen Lane, the first 30 homes in Farm Cliff, the Ripley Road condos, and of course Meadow Hill, where she facilitated the buying and selling of condos for most of her life.
In addition Connie was one of the first women to be recognized as a regional leader in real estate, becoming a member of the board of directors of the Hartford Home Builders for 11 years and a member of the Hartford County Remodeling Council for 5 years. As an interior designer, she applied her impeccable taste to create a successful decorating practice and decorated many homes in Glastonbury.
From 1960 to 1980, Connie launched a successful Morgan Horse breeding program at her stables, Fanfare Farms, on Foote Road in South Glastonbury. Fanfare Farms also housed a saddle shop and riding school. Connie was a true entrepreneur.
Connie had a love for life; for all mankind and for creatures big and small. She used her talents for building personal connections, planning, and organizing, to make her beloved Glastonbury a better, stronger community. Her presence as a volunteer in the Glastonbury Community became legendary. She was a member and director of many organizations and programs, including the Glastonbury Art Guild (28 years), the Glastonbury Historical Society (30 years), and the Hill and Dale Garden Club. She was a champion of the Hill and Dale college scholarship program. She was one of the founding board members of the Children's Services Program, which became the Village for Families and Children. Connie's fingerprint on the lives of friends and those who knew her throughout the community will be everlasting. Her closest friends will always remember her generosity and incomparable sense of humor. Many of these friends saw her regularly across the card table, playing bridge and organizing domino matches. She was especially persistent in keeping these games going through the 2020 pandemic, helping friends weather the isolation.
Though she had many gifts, the ones she loved most were her daughter, Leslie Muessig of Brattleboro, VT, her granddaughter, Darcey (Sikander) Kelly of St. Johnsbury, VT, and her grandson, Lewis (Chelsea) Lizotte of Lisbon, NH, and her three great-grandchildren, Zahi Rashid, “Raine” Raheem Rashid, and Alden Lizotte.
There will be no calling hours, a private burial will be held, and a memorial service will be held in late April with the date and time to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Habitat for Humanity International, 285 Peachtree Center Avenue NE Suite 2700, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 OR the St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326. For online condolence please visit www.mulryanfh.com.