Obituary of Constance C. Musa

2/14/1938 – 10/26/2023

In loving memory, we mourn the loss of Constance Coan Musa of New Canaan, CT, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.  Connie, 85, died peacefully in the early morning on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at home, surrounded by love and her family.  She died of complications related to advanced Parkinson’s Disease.

Connie was born on February 14, 1938 in Rahway, New Jersey to William F. Coan and Elizabeth Woodruff Coan.  She was the eldest of 3 sisters and spent her happy childhood in Rahway with much of her extended family living close by.  She graduated from Rahway High School in 1956 and then went on to graduate from Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School.  She started working for Exxon in New York City and had a successful career as an executive secretary, an assistant to corporate executives, and as a paralegal.  After taking time off from the corporate world to raise her family, she went back to work and eventually returned to Exxon, from which she retired in the early 1990’s. 

In 1962, Connie married Eric G. Musa of Forest Hills, New York.  Together they created a beautiful life filled with family, friends, and many adventures over the next 61 years.  They settled in New Canaan, CT in 1975 where they raised their two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth (Beth).

Connie was always active and involved in her community.   She spent much of her time volunteering for various organizations including Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts, teaching English as a second language, “Special Church” for those with special needs, among others.  She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan and spent many years singing in the choir, playing handbells, and serving as a Deacon.

Connie was a loving and dedicated mother.  She set a stellar example for her girls with her innate moral compass, high standards, and strong work ethic.  She instilled in them a sense of independence, and they deeply felt her love always.  Good manners and good grammar were important!  She had a great sense of humor and was an interesting conversationalist, always up on the latest current events.  She also was known to have opinions about everything and gave sage advice.  Those closest to Connie knew that she was always right!  She was a devoted grandmother and created special memories with each of her four grandchildren.

Connie enjoyed playing tennis, paddle, skiing, water skiing, gardening, reading, and playing bridge.  She loved the beach and spent decades vacationing in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina with family and good friends.  She dabbled in flower arranging, calligraphy, knitting and crochet. She enjoyed cooking with her Gourmet groups and was famous for her “congo squares” and blueberry pancakes.  After retirement, Connie was very involved in the New Canaan Artisans sewing group and was thrilled with how much money their annual sales raised for charity.  More than anything, Connie loved being with her family, including her sisters and their families.  Spending holidays and vacations with family brought her great joy.

In later years, Connie and Eric spent their winters in Naples, Florida with close friends.  They also traveled extensively during their retirement.  An African Safari for their 50^th wedding anniversary was one of Connie’s favorite trips, along with a trip to Paris with the entire family including her grandchildren.

Faith was important to Connie, and she said Grace before dinner every night.  “Make us ever mindful of the needs of others” ended each night’s grace, and she lived up to those words every day. 

Connie is survived by her husband Eric, her daughters Margaret Beeler (husband Michael) of Westport, CT; Beth Archambault (husband Mark) of Mansfield, MA; grandchildren Wesley and Carly Beeler, and Aidan and Kaelyn Archambault.  She is also survived by her two sisters, Alice Larsen (husband Robert) of Bozeman, MT, and Margaret “Peggy” Loytty (predeceased by her husband Eric) of Winston-Salem, NC.  Connie also leaves behind 5 nieces and nephews and their families, as well as many cousins and dear friends, all of whom she so loved.  She will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service to celebrate Connie’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan on Saturday, November 18^th at 3:30 PM.

To view the service live please visit- https://events.locallive.tv/events/129514

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at:   give.michaeljfox.org