With great sadness we announce the passing of dear wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, Constance von Roth Terfloth, on May 9th, 2019. Born in Berlin, Germany on April 30th, 1929, Constance is survived by her husband of 66 years, Boerries Terfloth, her three sisters and their families in Germany (Lilo Wiezoreck, Christa von Mirbach, Dorothea von Engelhardt), her children, Corry Terfloth Walker (David Shapiro) and Marc Terfloth (Bettina Bretz), and her beloved grandchildren, Brian, Stephanie, Celine and Alexa. Lovingly remembered by David H. Walker of Aiken, South Carolina.
Connie spent her youth in Berlin and Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany. She met Boerries when they were 16 at the local riding stable when he offered her a leg up from under the belly of his horse. In the early 50s, her father suggested that Connie go live with friends in Edmonton, Alberta. With fear of another possible war, he determined it crucial to establish a family foothold in Canada. Connie braved the daunting prospect of finding her way alone from Germany on a cargo ship to Churchill, Manitoba and on to Edmonton. Six months later, her fiancé, Boerries, joined her to be married on January 15, 1953 in minus 40 degree weather. They embarked on their new lives far away from their families and all they knew, eventually settling in Montreal, Quebec, where they raised their children.
Connie and Boerries’ love of travel also led them to live in London, England, as well as Aiken, South Carolina, and Antigua. In addition, summers at the beach at Prouts Neck, Maine inspired them to eventually choose their final home by the water in Hudson, Quebec.
Connie was a kind, gracious and elegant lady in the truest sense of the word. She was a private woman with a firm sense of decorum who didn’t like to intrude, but she knew what to say and when. Compassionate, a good listener and confidante, she exuded a quiet determination in all she did. Connie was a talented hostess with an impeccable flair for fashion and décor, a passion for horses, rescue greyhounds, and beautiful flowers. As an avid reader, she was always eager to learn more about European history.
Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished celebrating holidays with them, especially Christmas and Easter. Her grandchildren’s fondest memories of their Mimi are rooted in the special traditions and magic she created during these holidays. They would spend time filling each other in on life, horses or the latest trends and would relish the times when Mimi would share memories of her fascinating history before coming to Canada. She also established personal and special traditions with each one of them; it was always a exciting day when Mimi would invite them on a fancy tea time date, or to Chez Nick for milkshakes and grilled cheese. An invitation to stay with her often ended up in a cozy pile on her big bed, watching movies.
In her later years, she became keen on sports beyond horse racing and show jumpers, surprising us with her interest and knowledge in golf and football. She discovered the joys of a sweet tooth after years of disciplined restraint and delighted her grandchildren when they discovered she had a sweet tooth to rival their own, especially when their proper grandmother was caught sneaking cookie dough from the fridge.
Connie will be missed for her devotion to her family, her kindness to all, her impeccable taste, her soothing voice, her radiant smile and that twinkle in her eyes.
We are indebted to Dr. Len Welik for his long time attention and gracious interaction, not just with Connie, but with the entire family. We are forever grateful to Judy Tellier and her amazing staff at NOVA Hudson for their invaluable constant care during the past few years. We extend special thanks to Connie’s loving and steadfast at-home caregivers (Nancy, Steph, Carol, Sandra and Nora), who enabled her to stay at home through her final days, truly a blessing.
A private family celebration of life took place on Mother’s Day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Connie’s memory to be made to NOVA Hudson or to the charity of your choice. Either is greatly appreciated.
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