Constance Anne Roth

Constance Anne Cavanagh Roth was born Sept 21, 1949 in Niagara Falls; the second of 4 children born to Charles & Anna Cavanagh. She was born with congenital scoliosis and frequent visits to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto for treatment ignited Connie’s desire to become a nurse when she grew up.

In 1967 she attended Ontario College of Bible & Missions, where she caught the eye of Donald Roth, and their romance began. Don & Connie were married July 25, 1970.

After Bible College Connie enrolled in Osler School of Nursing where she earned her RN degree (‘71).

Connie & Don welcomed Jonathan (‘76) and Carolyn (‘77).

Don & Connie were deeply involved in the local church and soon felt called to full time ministry. Thus, when Don was asked to pastor a church plant in Ajax, Ont, they accepted (‘82).

Being a pastor’s wife seemed to come naturally to Connie. She had the spiritual gift of hospitality and Don’s ministry was greatly enhanced by her ability to welcome, connect with, feed, encourage, and nurture those who attended the church.

In 1986 they moved to Dallas for Don to attend Seminary. Connie supported the family by working full time in the ICU at the largest teaching hospital in the city, Parkland. Post graduation, in 1988, the family moved to Langley where Don served as the senior pastor at Langley Evangelical Free Church.

These ‘middle years’ saw Connie working as an ICU nurse at Langley Memorial Hospital, mothering teenagers, caring for Don’s congregation, and enjoying hobbies. She loved to sew; making clothes for Carolyn and herself, quilt, knit, decorate cakes, bake/cook, and garden; frequently gifting items she made to friends and neighbours.

She welcomed a son-in-law, Rick in 1997, daughter-in-law Julia in 1999, and was thrilled to become a grandma when Daniel (‘03), Jason (‘05), & Noah (‘08) joined the family.

Don’s last pastorate was at Global Community Church in Vancouver and Connie once again helped him settle in with his new congregation by spreading her special brand of warmth, interest and love.

After a shoulder injury, Connie transitioned to community nursing, working for Surrey, then Abbotsford Home Health. She retired in 2016, eager to spend more time crafting, being a Grandma, and taking trips with Don and the kids.

In 2020 it became apparent that Connie was having health issues. October 13, 2021, she was diagnosed with ALS. The hymn “It is Well With My Soul”, summed up her heartfelt desire; to allow God to use her even when she didn’t know how that was possible as the disease took its toll.

Connie’s heavenly homecoming was August 8, 2023.

A memorial service for Constance will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM at South Ridge Fellowship Church, 22756 - 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V2Z2T6.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Roth family.