Costance Ohl Obituary (2013)

Constance Lucas Ohl, 96, of Gardiner, Maine, died August 16, 2013 at Horizons Living and Rehab Center in Brunswick, Maine. Connie was born October 17, 1916, in Gardiner. She is the daughter of Edwin and Ellen Hannah Constance (Grundy) Lucas who had moved there with Connie’s elder brother, Bernard, from Bolton, England, in 1912. Connie’s father had been recruited by S.D. Warren for his expertise in the manufacture of bible paper. Connie grew up in a musical family and from an early age excelled at piano. She also became an accomplished cellist and later enjoyed playing in community orchestras. Connie attended Gardiner High School and was valedictorian of her class of 1933. After graduating from Mount Holyoke College in 1937 Connie moved to Boston where she worked for eight years as an art librarian at the Boston Atheneum. In 1943, Connie married George Ohl, Jr., an officer at the Boston Navy Yard. This was the beginning of a new phase of her life, enriched by his assignments within the United States and abroad. During the next ten years, they had three daughters, and together the family enjoyed the rewards of living in different places and cultures, especially Morocco, Turkey and Spain. Connie was the pillar of the family, and in spite of the challenges of frequent moves and living overseas, she created a comfortable and happy home in each new place. She belonged to the Officers’ Wives Club and volunteered for many years with Navy Relief. When asked if she worked, Connie would answer, “I’m a Navy wife”, and that said it all. Ever the avid learner, Connie went back to school in her fifties to earn a Masters in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. When George retired in 1973 they moved back to Gardiner to Connie’s childhood home at 259 Brunswick Avenue. For some years they enjoyed retired life with golf and travel, until George’s heath failed. After nursing her husband through his final illness, Connie lost her eyesight. Despite this blow, she kept a positive outlook and remained active, hosting many family gatherings, traveling to Europe, and even learning to use the computer. Connie lived independently in her own home until her 93rd year. In 2009, Connie moved to Cadigan Lodge at The Highlands in Topsham, Maine, where she spent three good years. She moved to Horizons in February 2013. Connie is survived by her three daughters: Clemence Mertaugh of Portland, Maine and her husband Michael Mertaugh, Connie Grimard of Dresden, Maine and her husband Ron Grimard, and Charlotte Ohl of London, England and her husband Allen Atwell. She is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 23 at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta