Memorial Minute for Constance Shane Clovis

Constance Shane Clovis died on July 27, 2010, at her home in Morrisville, Pennsylvania at the age of 68. Connie was the beloved wife of the late James S. Clovis for 36 years, mother of Nicole Clovis Radgowski and Christie Clovis, mother-in-law of Edward Radgowski, grandmother of Maddie, Carly, James and Genevieve, and sister of Martha Shane.

Connie was born in Abington, Pennsylvania on March 2, 1942, to Madaline and Charles Shane. Charles Shane was a lifelong member of the Religious Society of Friends and Madaline became a member of Newtown Friends Meeting late in life.

Connie valued growing up in a small town and in the caring community of Newtown Friends Meeting. She attended Newtown Friends School, graduated from George School in 1960, and joyfully reconnected with George School friends at her 50^th class reunion this past spring. She was married under the care of Newtown Meeting and remained an active member through the years, serving as Representative to Interim Meeting of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and as a member of the Newtown Friends School Committee, Religious Education Committee, and Care and Counsel Committee.

Connie was happiest when talking about her family. She often spoke of her husband Jim’s work as a scientist and his passion for volunteering his expertise, the accomplishments of her daughters, and her absolute delight in her grandchildren.

Connie Clovis was an especially loving and generous person. She had a passion for assisting underserved and at risk children through tennis and education. She co-founded with her husband the Trenton, N.J. chapter of the National Junior Tennis League and started the Trenton NJL Tutor and Tennis Program, which is now a regional academic and tennis program used in many schools. In addition, she was a founding member of the Village Charter School in Trenton, NJ, where she served on the Education Committee, as Chair of the Nominating Committee, and was an active fund-raiser.

Connie was a graceful and gifted athlete and a sports enthusiast. She studied ballet as a child and enjoyed skiing, golf, tennis and long walks in Tyler Park with her friends. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her kindness, gentleness, generosity, and the ability to make others feel loved and valued.

According to her wishes, the ashes of Constance Shane Clovis are buried in the burial grounds at Newtown Friends Meeting beside the grave of her husband, James S. Clovis.