Constance Keavy Martin, of Mattapoisett, widow of William B. Keavy and Richard A. Martin, passed away on Friday September 30, 2022 at home. She was 84 years old. Constance (Connie) was born in Brighton, MA, on May 18, 1938, daughter of the late William R. Harty and Edna B. Harty. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas F. Harty.
Connie graduated from Hingham High School in 1956 with highest honors, and the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 1960 Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Secondary Education – English, History and Geography. She later received her Elementary Degree from UMass Boston with honors. Connie received her Reading Degree from UMass Dartmouth.
In 1961, Connie and Bill moved to Mattapoisett as a member of the English Department when Old Rochester Regional High School first opened. She loved all of her students and taught them English, debating, public speaking and drama. At O.R.R. and Apponequet Regional High School, Connie began an innovative remedial and developmental reading program as well as directed the senior play. She taught American and English Literature and devised skits and mini plays to make Literature enjoyable. When teaching English grammar, she taught her students how to diagram a sentence: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”
Connie spent 26 years teaching elementary classes at the Sergeant William H. Carney Academy in New Bedford. She had so many fond memories of Carney Academy. Connie also taught adult literacy classes at ORR in the 70’s and gave workshops over SouthCoast on making teaching materials for the classroom. She particularly loved using the newspaper in education and the Standard-Times featured articles on her efforts to show students the importance of the newspaper in daily life and learning about the world.
Connie raised her children Shawna and Chris, and often said it was the best time of her life. She was heavily involved in her community and its activities. Connie co-directed the Confirmation program, was a Brownie leader, a PTA member, and member of St. Anthony’s choir and Couples’ Club. She was a member of the Growth Management Committee and the Village Historic District Study Group. Connie was also a member of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and a co-chair of the evening division of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club. She was the first female Cubmaster in the Southcoast between 1976-1978. In 1993, the Mattapoisett Selectmen awarded her a plaque in recognition and gratitude for her town service – “A Giving Spirit”.
Connie was an animal lover, adopting two shelter kitties and contributing to the Humane Society, MSPCA and Cause for Paws in Mattapoisett.
Connie was outgoing, fun loving, and passionate about her activities and loves. She loved teaching, quahoging, needlepoint, crewel, rug hooking, and gardening. She was an avid reader and devoted movie buff, recording hundreds of her favorite movies for viewing again and sharing with friends. She was a dedicated “Star Trek” fan.
Survivors include her children, Shawna K. Keavy of Tiverton, RI, and Christopher W. Keavy and his wife Debra of Yarmouthport, two stepchildren, Ann Marie Viscuso and her husband Vincent of Sagamore Beach, and Michael Martin of Plymouth, five grandchildren, Shannon E. Keavy, William J. Keavy, Jacqueline Martin, Timothy Martin and Victoria Martin, and three great-grandchildren, Colton M. Martin, Jackson M. Martin and Lily S. Martin. Connie is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann E. Mitchell and brother-in-law, Robert Mitchell, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday October 6th at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Bedford. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday October 5th from 5-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
