CAMDEN — Cornelia “Connie” (Duffy) Milliken, age 97, passed away on January 14, 2024 at Windward Gardens in Camden.

Born July 19, 1926 she was the daughter of Harold and Pauline Duffy. Shortly after being born in Springfield, Massachusetts, her family moved to Blue Hill, Maine and then during her teenage years subsequently moved to Camden where she graduated from Camden High School in 1944. It was shortly after her high school years that she met Frank W. Milliken and they were married on December 29, 1946. They continued to live their lives in Camden where they raised their three children.

Connie chose to be an at-home mother until her children were school age. She then went to work as an accomplished seamstress at School House Togs for many years. Though working full time she was always able to take time off to go on several family trips. The favorite family adventures were summer camping trips to Canada. She was there on the home front as well. Family birthdays always meant her special family recipe for homemade sauce and spaghetti, a tradition her children continue today. The grandchildren, in particular, always came through the door looking for the M&M’s jar (the adults were guilty, too). Family gatherings rarely ended without some kind of game playing.

When not working or at home, Connie was a supportive wife to her husband’s various activities which included following baseball and basketball games that he coached or marching with the Drum and Bugle Corp. She became like a second “mom” to many of these young teenagers.

Connie also enjoyed being a partner in various activities such as ten-pin bowling and especially square dancing. She and Frank could be found twirling and swinging in various places throughout New England. She was also a member of the Megunticook Grange and the Hope Extension groups. Other activities included volunteering at the Camden Food Pantry and at Windward Gardens.

A very important part of Connie’s life was a deep, abiding faith in God. She was a long-standing member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church. She served her church in various ways but most especially as a dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s Club which supported many activities in her church, such as college scholarships. She developed many special friendships during her years at OLGH. She was always available to help those in need. Amazingly, she was still providing rides for friends at the age of 93.

Connie is predeceased by her husband, Frank Milliken; grandson Tony Newell; and four siblings: Paul Duffy, Basil Duffy, Kathleen VanBuskirk and Pauline Kosmenko.

She is survived by her three children: Dennis Milliken (Debra), Linda Roden (Roy) and Elizabeth Emmons (Ron, and will be lovingly missed by her six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, January 21, 2024, from 3 - 5 p.m., Rosary at 4:30 p.m., at the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

The Catholic Mass followed by a reception will be held Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Hope Church, in Camden.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Catholic Women’s Club at 7 Union St, Camden, ME 04843.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.