Constance Anita "Connie" Blaine Gillespie
October 10, 1923 ~ April 26, 2020
Named for 1920's silent screen star Constance Talmadge, Connie Blaine was born in Eugene, the only child of Raymond and Alice Baker Blaine. With the exception of 30 months during WWII, Connie lived her entire life in Lane County. A 31-year breast cancer survivor, she died at 96½ of age-related causes.
Connie was descended from Oregon pioneers. Her maternal great-great-grandparents, Thomas and Elizar Hudson Baker, crossed the plains in 1853 from Illinois to Eugene. Connie also celebrated her Irish heritage as her paternal grandparents immigrated to NYC in the late 1880s. Connie's father was a well-known barber who worked for many years in Luckey's Club Cigar Store on Willamette Street.
In 1938, one of her girlfriends at Eugene High School introduced Connie to her 18-year-old cousin. A Willakenzie-area farmer's son, John courted this 15-year-old dark-haired beauty by leaving baskets of peaches on her family's doorstep on Taylor Street. Shortly after graduating EHS, he moved to Los Angeles to take a job at Lockheed Corp. In the summer of '41, John and 17-year-old Connie lobbied her parents to allow her to marry him. Her father finally agreed, on the condition that she would obtain her diploma in California. On Sept. 2, 1941, Connie married the love of her life, John Jacob Gillespie. He was the great-grandson of 1852 Eugene settler, Rev. Jacob Gillespie, thus uniting two Eugene pioneer families.
Connie worked for the IRS in LA and attended high school at night, fulfilling her promise to her father. After Pearl Harbor, John continued working at Lockheed, helping to assemble P-38 Lightning fighter planes for the U.S. Army's war effort. In June of 1944, when Connie was expecting their first child, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He fought in the South Pacific while Connie returned permanently to Eugene to have their baby and await her husband's safe return.
In 1946, John went to work for a fellow WWII veteran at A.B. Scarlett GMC Trucks in Eugene and Connie concentrated on family life.
On November 3, 1956 John and Connie moved into the house they had built on Gilham Road on a portion of land that was originally purchased by John's great-grandfather in 1865 and which is still in family ownership today. John and Connie lived in this same house for over 58 years, welcoming many friends, family members and neighbors with their hospitality.
In the early 60's Connie volunteered her time, both as a hospital "Gray Lady" for the American Red Cross and for her local election precinct. Later Connie worked at Reed & Cross Nursery & Gifts.
In 1969 John & Connie formed a partnership with his oldest sister Gladys and her husband Brooks Perry. The four of them bought and operated Mac's Battery & Filter Service on 6th Ave. in Eugene. A few years after becoming sole owners, John & Connie sold Mac's and retired in 1981.
Before and after her retirement, Connie was an antique dealer, with an eye for the unique. She operated her own shop, making buying trips to San Francisco and other places. She would return with many treasures that were highly sought after. In addition to her interest in antiques, Connie was a savvy shopper. Her fashion sense was to be envied. She was always stylishly attired in the latest trends, well up into her 90's.
Never owning a cookbook, Connie was known for being a fabulous cook. She was renowned for her mouth-watering roasts and especially for her gravy. She loved to host gatherings and would set the most lovely table of linens, silver & china for her guests.
Connie and John took pleasure in traveling. Especially memorable were their RV convoy trips to Alaska with friends. During retirement, Connie had the joy of traveling to Ireland, Scotland and England.
Connie was a past member of Shadow Hills Country Club where she and John spent many hours on the golf course. They enjoyed fishing at Diamond Lake and at their cabin at McKenzie Bridge. Most of all, Connie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was the last surviving member of a group of Eugene women who maintained supportive friendships that spanned from their early school days to old age.
Connie is survived by her beloved sons: John Jacob (Sandy) Gillespie, Jr. and Michael Jacob (Jan) Gillespie. She considered her daughters-in-law her best friends. She was also survived by 3 grandsons: Sean (Rachel) Gillespie, Christopher (Adrienne) Gillespie and John Jacob (Lauren) Gillespie, II; a chosen grandson, James Steen (Joleen) Langel; by 8 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter (born April 20, 2020); four nieces: Kay Perry (Jack) Mattison, Linda Blair Jacka, Marilee Blair Gamble, and Jeanne Perry (Rodney) Sherwood; and by one nephew David (Annette) Perry; all of whom she dearly loved.
Connie was predeceased by her husband of 74½ years. She will be laid to rest beside John in historic Gillespie Cemetery. At her request, no services will be held.
Connie had a warm smile, Irish charm, and was great fun. She never held a baby who didn't immediately love her back. Connie made joyful, positive contributions to all who knew her. Her family feels lucky to have had her in their lives.
October 10, 1923 ~ April 26, 2020
Named for 1920's silent screen star Constance Talmadge, Connie Blaine was born in Eugene, the only child of Raymond and Alice Baker Blaine. With the exception of 30 months during WWII, Connie lived her entire life in Lane County. A 31-year breast cancer survivor, she died at 96½ of age-related causes.
Connie was descended from Oregon pioneers. Her maternal great-great-grandparents, Thomas and Elizar Hudson Baker, crossed the plains in 1853 from Illinois to Eugene. Connie also celebrated her Irish heritage as her paternal grandparents immigrated to NYC in the late 1880s. Connie's father was a well-known barber who worked for many years in Luckey's Club Cigar Store on Willamette Street.
In 1938, one of her girlfriends at Eugene High School introduced Connie to her 18-year-old cousin. A Willakenzie-area farmer's son, John courted this 15-year-old dark-haired beauty by leaving baskets of peaches on her family's doorstep on Taylor Street. Shortly after graduating EHS, he moved to Los Angeles to take a job at Lockheed Corp. In the summer of '41, John and 17-year-old Connie lobbied her parents to allow her to marry him. Her father finally agreed, on the condition that she would obtain her diploma in California. On Sept. 2, 1941, Connie married the love of her life, John Jacob Gillespie. He was the great-grandson of 1852 Eugene settler, Rev. Jacob Gillespie, thus uniting two Eugene pioneer families.
Connie worked for the IRS in LA and attended high school at night, fulfilling her promise to her father. After Pearl Harbor, John continued working at Lockheed, helping to assemble P-38 Lightning fighter planes for the U.S. Army's war effort. In June of 1944, when Connie was expecting their first child, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He fought in the South Pacific while Connie returned permanently to Eugene to have their baby and await her husband's safe return.
In 1946, John went to work for a fellow WWII veteran at A.B. Scarlett GMC Trucks in Eugene and Connie concentrated on family life.
On November 3, 1956 John and Connie moved into the house they had built on Gilham Road on a portion of land that was originally purchased by John's great-grandfather in 1865 and which is still in family ownership today. John and Connie lived in this same house for over 58 years, welcoming many friends, family members and neighbors with their hospitality.
In the early 60's Connie volunteered her time, both as a hospital "Gray Lady" for the American Red Cross and for her local election precinct. Later Connie worked at Reed & Cross Nursery & Gifts.
In 1969 John & Connie formed a partnership with his oldest sister Gladys and her husband Brooks Perry. The four of them bought and operated Mac's Battery & Filter Service on 6th Ave. in Eugene. A few years after becoming sole owners, John & Connie sold Mac's and retired in 1981.
Before and after her retirement, Connie was an antique dealer, with an eye for the unique. She operated her own shop, making buying trips to San Francisco and other places. She would return with many treasures that were highly sought after. In addition to her interest in antiques, Connie was a savvy shopper. Her fashion sense was to be envied. She was always stylishly attired in the latest trends, well up into her 90's.
Never owning a cookbook, Connie was known for being a fabulous cook. She was renowned for her mouth-watering roasts and especially for her gravy. She loved to host gatherings and would set the most lovely table of linens, silver & china for her guests.
Connie and John took pleasure in traveling. Especially memorable were their RV convoy trips to Alaska with friends. During retirement, Connie had the joy of traveling to Ireland, Scotland and England.
Connie was a past member of Shadow Hills Country Club where she and John spent many hours on the golf course. They enjoyed fishing at Diamond Lake and at their cabin at McKenzie Bridge. Most of all, Connie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was the last surviving member of a group of Eugene women who maintained supportive friendships that spanned from their early school days to old age.
Connie is survived by her beloved sons: John Jacob (Sandy) Gillespie, Jr. and Michael Jacob (Jan) Gillespie. She considered her daughters-in-law her best friends. She was also survived by 3 grandsons: Sean (Rachel) Gillespie, Christopher (Adrienne) Gillespie and John Jacob (Lauren) Gillespie, II; a chosen grandson, James Steen (Joleen) Langel; by 8 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter (born April 20, 2020); four nieces: Kay Perry (Jack) Mattison, Linda Blair Jacka, Marilee Blair Gamble, and Jeanne Perry (Rodney) Sherwood; and by one nephew David (Annette) Perry; all of whom she dearly loved.
Connie was predeceased by her husband of 74½ years. She will be laid to rest beside John in historic Gillespie Cemetery. At her request, no services will be held.
Connie had a warm smile, Irish charm, and was great fun. She never held a baby who didn't immediately love her back. Connie made joyful, positive contributions to all who knew her. Her family feels lucky to have had her in their lives.
Constance Anita "Connie" Blaine Gillespie
October 10, 1923 ~ April 26, 2020
Named for 1920's silent screen star Constance Talmadge, Connie Blaine was born in Eugene, the only child of Raymond and Alice Baker Blaine. With the exception of 30 months during WWII, Connie lived her entire life in Lane County. A 31-year breast cancer survivor, she died at 96½ of age-related causes.
Connie was descended from Oregon pioneers. Her maternal great-great-grandparents, Thomas and Elizar Hudson Baker, crossed the plains in 1853 from Illinois to Eugene. Connie also celebrated her Irish heritage as her paternal grandparents immigrated to NYC in the late 1880s. Connie's father was a well-known barber who worked for many years in Luckey's Club Cigar Store on Willamette Street.
In 1938, one of her girlfriends at Eugene High School introduced Connie to her 18-year-old cousin. A Willakenzie-area farmer's son, John courted this 15-year-old dark-haired beauty by leaving baskets of peaches on her family's doorstep on Taylor Street. Shortly after graduating EHS, he moved to Los Angeles to take a job at Lockheed Corp. In the summer of '41, John and 17-year-old Connie lobbied her parents to allow her to marry him. Her father finally agreed, on the condition that she would obtain her diploma in California. On Sept. 2, 1941, Connie married the love of her life, John Jacob Gillespie. He was the great-grandson of 1852 Eugene settler, Rev. Jacob Gillespie, thus uniting two Eugene pioneer families.
Connie worked for the IRS in LA and attended high school at night, fulfilling her promise to her father. After Pearl Harbor, John continued working at Lockheed, helping to assemble P-38 Lightning fighter planes for the U.S. Army's war effort. In June of 1944, when Connie was expecting their first child, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He fought in the South Pacific while Connie returned permanently to Eugene to have their baby and await her husband's safe return.
In 1946, John went to work for a fellow WWII veteran at A.B. Scarlett GMC Trucks in Eugene and Connie concentrated on family life.
On November 3, 1956 John and Connie moved into the house they had built on Gilham Road on a portion of land that was originally purchased by John's great-grandfather in 1865 and which is still in family ownership today. John and Connie lived in this same house for over 58 years, welcoming many friends, family members and neighbors with their hospitality.
In the early 60's Connie volunteered her time, both as a hospital "Gray Lady" for the American Red Cross and for her local election precinct. Later Connie worked at Reed & Cross Nursery & Gifts.
In 1969 John & Connie formed a partnership with his oldest sister Gladys and her husband Brooks Perry. The four of them bought and operated Mac's Battery & Filter Service on 6th Ave. in Eugene. A few years after becoming sole owners, John & Connie sold Mac's and retired in 1981.
Before and after her retirement, Connie was an antique dealer, with an eye for the unique. She operated her own shop, making buying trips to San Francisco and other places. She would return with many treasures that were highly sought after. In addition to her interest in antiques, Connie was a savvy shopper. Her fashion sense was to be envied. She was always stylishly attired in the latest trends, well up into her 90's.
Never owning a cookbook, Connie was known for being a fabulous cook. She was renowned for her mouth-watering roasts and especially for her gravy. She loved to host gatherings and would set the most lovely table of linens, silver & china for her guests.
Connie and John took pleasure in traveling. Especially memorable were their RV convoy trips to Alaska with friends. During retirement, Connie had the joy of traveling to Ireland, Scotland and England.
Connie was a past member of Shadow Hills Country Club where she and John spent many hours on the golf course. They enjoyed fishing at Diamond Lake and at their cabin at McKenzie Bridge. Most of all, Connie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was the last surviving member of a group of Eugene women who maintained supportive friendships that spanned from their early school days to old age.
Connie is survived by her beloved sons: John Jacob (Sandy) Gillespie, Jr. and Michael Jacob (Jan) Gillespie. She considered her daughters-in-law her best friends. She was also survived by 3 grandsons: Sean (Rachel) Gillespie, Christopher (Adrienne) Gillespie and John Jacob (Lauren) Gillespie, II; a chosen grandson, James Steen (Joleen) Langel; by 8 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter (born April 20, 2020); four nieces: Kay Perry (Jack) Mattison, Linda Blair Jacka, Marilee Blair Gamble, and Jeanne Perry (Rodney) Sherwood; and by one nephew David (Annette) Perry; all of whom she dearly loved.
Connie was predeceased by her husband of 74½ years. She will be laid to rest beside John in historic Gillespie Cemetery. At her request, no services will be held.
Connie had a warm smile, Irish charm, and was great fun. She never held a baby who didn't immediately love her back. Connie made joyful, positive contributions to all who knew her. Her family feels lucky to have had her in their lives.
October 10, 1923 ~ April 26, 2020
Named for 1920's silent screen star Constance Talmadge, Connie Blaine was born in Eugene, the only child of Raymond and Alice Baker Blaine. With the exception of 30 months during WWII, Connie lived her entire life in Lane County. A 31-year breast cancer survivor, she died at 96½ of age-related causes.
Connie was descended from Oregon pioneers. Her maternal great-great-grandparents, Thomas and Elizar Hudson Baker, crossed the plains in 1853 from Illinois to Eugene. Connie also celebrated her Irish heritage as her paternal grandparents immigrated to NYC in the late 1880s. Connie's father was a well-known barber who worked for many years in Luckey's Club Cigar Store on Willamette Street.
In 1938, one of her girlfriends at Eugene High School introduced Connie to her 18-year-old cousin. A Willakenzie-area farmer's son, John courted this 15-year-old dark-haired beauty by leaving baskets of peaches on her family's doorstep on Taylor Street. Shortly after graduating EHS, he moved to Los Angeles to take a job at Lockheed Corp. In the summer of '41, John and 17-year-old Connie lobbied her parents to allow her to marry him. Her father finally agreed, on the condition that she would obtain her diploma in California. On Sept. 2, 1941, Connie married the love of her life, John Jacob Gillespie. He was the great-grandson of 1852 Eugene settler, Rev. Jacob Gillespie, thus uniting two Eugene pioneer families.
Connie worked for the IRS in LA and attended high school at night, fulfilling her promise to her father. After Pearl Harbor, John continued working at Lockheed, helping to assemble P-38 Lightning fighter planes for the U.S. Army's war effort. In June of 1944, when Connie was expecting their first child, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He fought in the South Pacific while Connie returned permanently to Eugene to have their baby and await her husband's safe return.
In 1946, John went to work for a fellow WWII veteran at A.B. Scarlett GMC Trucks in Eugene and Connie concentrated on family life.
On November 3, 1956 John and Connie moved into the house they had built on Gilham Road on a portion of land that was originally purchased by John's great-grandfather in 1865 and which is still in family ownership today. John and Connie lived in this same house for over 58 years, welcoming many friends, family members and neighbors with their hospitality.
In the early 60's Connie volunteered her time, both as a hospital "Gray Lady" for the American Red Cross and for her local election precinct. Later Connie worked at Reed & Cross Nursery & Gifts.
In 1969 John & Connie formed a partnership with his oldest sister Gladys and her husband Brooks Perry. The four of them bought and operated Mac's Battery & Filter Service on 6th Ave. in Eugene. A few years after becoming sole owners, John & Connie sold Mac's and retired in 1981.
Before and after her retirement, Connie was an antique dealer, with an eye for the unique. She operated her own shop, making buying trips to San Francisco and other places. She would return with many treasures that were highly sought after. In addition to her interest in antiques, Connie was a savvy shopper. Her fashion sense was to be envied. She was always stylishly attired in the latest trends, well up into her 90's.
Never owning a cookbook, Connie was known for being a fabulous cook. She was renowned for her mouth-watering roasts and especially for her gravy. She loved to host gatherings and would set the most lovely table of linens, silver & china for her guests.
Connie and John took pleasure in traveling. Especially memorable were their RV convoy trips to Alaska with friends. During retirement, Connie had the joy of traveling to Ireland, Scotland and England.
Connie was a past member of Shadow Hills Country Club where she and John spent many hours on the golf course. They enjoyed fishing at Diamond Lake and at their cabin at McKenzie Bridge. Most of all, Connie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was the last surviving member of a group of Eugene women who maintained supportive friendships that spanned from their early school days to old age.
Connie is survived by her beloved sons: John Jacob (Sandy) Gillespie, Jr. and Michael Jacob (Jan) Gillespie. She considered her daughters-in-law her best friends. She was also survived by 3 grandsons: Sean (Rachel) Gillespie, Christopher (Adrienne) Gillespie and John Jacob (Lauren) Gillespie, II; a chosen grandson, James Steen (Joleen) Langel; by 8 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter (born April 20, 2020); four nieces: Kay Perry (Jack) Mattison, Linda Blair Jacka, Marilee Blair Gamble, and Jeanne Perry (Rodney) Sherwood; and by one nephew David (Annette) Perry; all of whom she dearly loved.
Connie was predeceased by her husband of 74½ years. She will be laid to rest beside John in historic Gillespie Cemetery. At her request, no services will be held.
Connie had a warm smile, Irish charm, and was great fun. She never held a baby who didn't immediately love her back. Connie made joyful, positive contributions to all who knew her. Her family feels lucky to have had her in their lives.
