Constance E. Aldrich

Connie (Constance) Aldrich (nee Smith) was born in England on 30 December 1925, and died on 8 June 2024 at 98 years old. Her childhood stories could fill a book; she lived through WWII as a teenager, her school was bombed when she was 14.  Many more stories follow and when she was 18, married an American soldier, John M. Milne, who then left to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day-and survived!  While he was fighting in Europe, Connie gave birth to their son, John Milne. Connie and young John moved to America to join husband and father, John M., and settled in Schenectady. They enlarged their family with son, Robert and daughter, Joan.

Connie was energetic, a hard worker, a loyal friend, and a faithful wife—and lots fun, we’re told! She was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Rotterdam. Her last job was working for Northeast Parent & Child Society as manager of their “thrift store” enjoying the work as well as her colleagues and friends she made at the store’s last location at State Street Presbyterian Church.

She was predeceased by her husband John (1968), her second husband, Avery Jay Phillips (1988) and her third husband, William Aldrich (2001). She was also predeceased by her two sisters, 3 brothers and her daughter, Joan (2010).

She is survived by her sons John (Sharon) and Robert (Vicki), grandchildren Joshua, Jason, Jenny and Ian-all Milnes! Also thirteen mutually loved Milne great-grandchildren: Wyeth, Jackson, Emerson, Mackenzie, Natalie, Ella, Annaleis, Clara, Reid, Iris, Oliver, Tre and Cora. Connie is also survived by three Aldrich stepsons: Jim (Cindy), Dan (Sue) and Bill (Vicky). She has many loved nieces and nephews both in the States and in the United Kingdom.

Special thanks to Stephanie, Vangi, Jess, and Harley and several aides for their tender care of her at the Schenectady Center for Rehab and Nursing.

Calling hours will be at Messiah Lutheran Church (2850 Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12306) on Saturday, June 15th at 10:00-11:00 followed by a memorial service. All are welcomed to join us for lunch after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Schenectady City Mission, PO Box 760, Schenectady, NY 12301 or at city mission.com.