Constance A.. Ridener

Constance Anne (Raddin) Ridener, formerly of Chelmsford, MA, died peacefully on June 10, 2021 with her four daughters by her side. She was born in Boston, MA on December 28, 1926. Constance was the daughter of Everett and Lillian (Forrest) Raddin, the wife of Billy R. Ridener, and sister of Geraldine May (Raddin) Budowicz (all pre-deceased). Survivors include her daughters - Sheryl Gottwald, Janine Downey Bradburn, Robin Plumley, and Terri-Lynne Levesque; son-in-laws - Jeffrey Gottwald, Eric Plumley and David Levesque; grandchildren - Alyssa Downey, Robert Downey, Conor Bradburn, Emma (Plumley) Lessard, Ethan Plumley, Taylor Levesque and Jordan Levesque; and great-grandchildren – Lionél Downey-Rey, and Montgomery Downey.

Constance grew up in Boston, MA. She graduated from East Boston High School in 1944, and went on to graduate from Aviation Training School in Boston and Boston Clerical Business School. After school, Constance worked at Jordan Marsh and taught ballroom dance at the Murray Studios of Boston. She then worked in the Claims Dept at Hardware Mutual Insurance Company in Boston where she met her future husband, Air Force Senior Staff Sargent Billy Ridener. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on April 20, 1952. Constance became a stay-at-home mom, and devoted her life to raising her family. When her girls went off to college, Constance returned to work at Macy's where she was awarded Salesperson of the Year for the NE Region before retiring in 1998.

Constance was a dedicated volunteer and gave many hours of her time in service to others. One of her earliest efforts was organizing a group of women to sew and fill bags for servicemen overseas as part of a project with the American Red Cross to support war-time efforts. She was a member of The Ladies Holy Solidarity in No. Chelmsford, MA and volunteered for many years at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lowell, MA. Constance was very involved with the Girl Scouts of America, and served as Troop Leader, Summer Camp Counsellor, and Girl Scout News reporter for the Lowell Sun. She also served as President for the Parent's Guild at Notre Dame Academy, where all four of her daughters attended school.

Constance enjoyed traveling with her husband Billy. They took many trips together visiting Italy, Greece, Spain, Ireland, England and France as well as sharing many cruises with friends and family. After retirement, they wintered in Florida for several years. Constance made friends easily, and she loved to entertain. She enjoyed all kinds of music and dancing, and in her quieter moments she enjoyed reading, canning and bird watching. Constance was a woman of strong faith and a member of the Parish of the Resurrection Church in Nashua, NH.

Constance's life was devoted to her husband and her children. She was always so proud of all that her daughters had accomplished, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved being with them and sharing in the excitement of their lives. Constance was looking forward to the upcoming birth of a new great-grandchild and the wedding of another grandchild. Constance felt her life was full of love and happiness, and she was always grateful to God for the 63 years she shared with her husband Billy. Theirs was truly a beautiful journey.

Due to COVID restrictions, we are unable to have a large gathering. Instead, we are asking that Connie's friends and family have a Mass said at their church in her honor.

Constance spent the last days of her life at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. The dedicated and caring nurses and staff provided Constance with much love and care during this time. Donations to the Community Hospice House (210 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054) in her memory would be greatly appreciated, or if you prefer donations can also be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, a favorite charity of Constance.