Cornelia Jane (Collins) December

ST. JAMES CITY, FL ~ Cornelia J. "Connie" December, 73, formerly of Rome, NY and Jacksonville, FL, died peacefully in the comfort of her Florida home on March 19, 2014, where she was under the care of her loving family and Hospice.

Born on January 8, 1941 in Vienna, NY, the daughter of Cornelius and Jane Morris Collins, she was educated in Rome, NY schools.

She married David J. December, a US Naval Master Chief Officer/Master Diver, on November 16, 1963 in South Mills, NC. Following her marriage, she and her husband traveled and resided for 37 years at various Naval bases throughout the continental US and Hawaii.

Connie was a devoted wife and homemaker, as well as an accomplished multi-talented artist and Tole painter who passed on her many talents by teaching Tole painting, crocheting, knitting and quilting throughout the years. In the early 1980's, she was chosen and honored by the Smithsonian Institute to create a one of a kind Tole-painted Christmas ornament representing folk art in the United States, for the National Christmas tree in Washington, DC.  Her ornament remains among the museum’s collection.  

Among her fondest memories was traveling the country with her husband, Dave, in their RV to many of our country’s national parks and especially to the Smoky Mountains. Among the loving memories of everyone who knew her, she will long be remembered as a voracious reader of James Michener novels, for her great sense of humor, her delicious meals and culinary expertise, her enjoyment of fishing, and the love she gave to her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her loving and devoted husband of over 50 years, she is survived by her four children, Matthew C. (Tammy) Wolosin, of Lewiston, NY, April A. December, March E. (Steve) Rucci, Peter M. (Heather) December, all of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Gabrielle Jane, Paige, and Pierce; a sister, Jane A. Rossi, of Rome, NY; a brother, Marc A. Rossi, of Westernville, NY, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, James Collins, Frederick Collins and George Rossi, Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held for Connie later in the Fall in Jacksonville, FL.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

The following is a special poem from her children, by Suzy Toronto, entitled,

“She Who Is My Mom”

As a child, I opened my eyes for the first time to see
She who loved me more than life itself.
As a young woman, I opened my eyes again to see
She who gave me wings and taught me how to fly.
Today I opened my eyes and see
She who is my dearest and truest friend.
She encouraged my dreams, applauded my accomplishments,
Understood my mistakes and has always been so proud of me.
You are my dearest friend …. My one true constant.
She is my Mom.
And I love her more than life itself!

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Scanlon Funeral Home, Croghan, NY 13327.  To view Connie’s online obituary or leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.scanlonfuneral.com.
 

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