Obituary of Constance Valerie Bishop

Constance Valerie Bishop (Neé Garland), of Ottawa, ON, peacefully passed away on March 21, 2017 in her 86th year. Predeceased by her loving parents, Herbert Augustus Garland and Olive Etta Mae (Murphy) Garland of Nova Scotia. Constance and Donald Bishop were married in 1954 at Moncton, NB. Together they raised two children. Don's work with Transport Canada took the family to Ottawa in 1964. Ottawa became home base to raise their family, build a cottage on the shores of Lake Kennebec, and travel to cruise the warmest waterways of the world. Connie had a thirst for knowledge and a drive to accomplish. She attended Carleton University and graduated with her B.A. She was an avid reader and, later in life, a short story author whose stories developed from her memories of growing up in the Maritimes. Connie had a life-long appreciation of music, having studied music as well as being an accomplished pianist. She enjoyed singing in the choir and playing piano for seniors' groups. Music gave her great joy, even to the end. Connie was an accomplished seamstress, and created beautiful designs for herself, her daughter and granddaughter. She had a special talent for tailoring, not easily mastered. Connie loved life, beauty and being around her family. She was a selfless, loyal and dependable woman who placed the needs of others ahead of her own. Warm and strong – tender with a touch of steel. She wore hats well, never turned down a glass of good wine, a smidgen of chocolate, or the opportunity to sing-along to 'one of the oldies'. Mourning her loss is H. Donald Bishop, her devoted husband of 63 years, daughter Valerie (Phil) of Ottawa, son Brooke (Carol) of Calgary, Alberta, granddaughter Kirsten, Connie's precious great-grandson Joshua, as well as many nephews, nieces and dear in-laws. Special thanks to the caring staff at VHA Health & Home Support who gave her care and comfort, especially Bertha and Claude. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no service. Cemation has taken place. Private interment in the spring in Nova Scotia. For all the dogs, cats and rabbits she loved during her lifetime, Connie would be appreciative of any donation made to the Ottawa Humane Society. Online tributes can also be made at Cole Funeral Services 613-831-7122. Burial arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Berwick Funeral Chapel, 192 Commercial Street Berwick (902-538-9900).