Constance Marie Carens Hilton, 88, passed away peacefully at her residence on St. Simons Island, on Thursday April 25, 2013. Formerly a resident of Rumson, New Jersey, Mrs. Hilton resided at Sea Island and St. Simons Island since 1995.
Born February 2, 1925, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Thomas and Grace D. Carens, Mrs. Hilton attended The Sacred Heart School in Newton. When her father, an eminent Boston journalist, was posted to Washington, Connie attended Trinity College there and ultimately matriculated there. Ms. Carens met young Navy Lieutenant, Norman Hilton, during his tour of duty in the Boston area upon graduation from Harvard Business School. The couple was wed on July 27, 1947.
Mother of 6, Connie was an active mother, sportswoman, and gardener. The couple settled in New Jersey and raised their growing family. Mrs. Hilton took up golf and became an accomplished player. Connie was an avid gardener, also, surrounding her homes inside and out with beautiful plants and flowers. She loved to read, was a determined competitor at duplicate bridge, and was known to be a true New York Times Sunday Crossword puzzle aficionado. In addition to her participation in various other social activities, Mrs. Hilton was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, helping many other women to reach and maintain sobriety. While her husband Norman was on the Board of Trustees at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, N.J., Connie was the central driving force behind the creation of an inpatient alcohol treatment facility. She remained sober herself from the year 1961 until her death.
Survivors include three sons, Norman Hilton, Jr. (Nick) of Skillman, NJ; Alexander, of Oklahoma City, OK; and Dr. Thomas Hilton of Jacksonville, FL; as well as one daughter, Laura Hilton of Brunswick, GA, and thirteen grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11AM Thursday, May 2, 2013 at St. William Catholic Church on St. Simons Island with Father Jim Holloway officiating. Memorials may be made to Amity House or The Parkinson Alliance, Post Office Box 308 Kingston, NJ 08528-0308 .
Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com
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