Constance “Connie” (Smith) Philbrick, 77
Constance “Connie” (Smith) Philbrick was born on Aug. 5, 1948, in Sunnyside, Washington, to Donald and Opal Smith.
She graduated from Libby High School in 1966 and went on to attend college in Great Falls, Montana. It was there she met the love of her life, Air Force Airman Trueman R. Philbrick, Sr. They married on July 15, 1967, and recently celebrated 57 wonderful years together.
Connie and Trueman raised their two children, Trueman “Rick” Philbrick, Jr. and Tracy Philbrick Johnson of San Diego, California, in Prospect, Maine.
They moved to Trueman’s hometown in 1973, where they resided for 34 years, owning a poultry farm and contributing to the community in various ways. Connie worked at Bucksport Hardware, Wicks Lumber, Bucksport Free Press and traveled the country interviewing Medicare recipients for a quality assurance program.
Connie was deeply involved in her children’s lives, from leading Cub and Girl Scout troops to attending sporting events and chaperoning school programs. She was known for her generosity, always baking for bake sales, making casseroles for those in need and opening her home to all.
She found peace and fellowship at Bucksport Methodist Church, where she was an active member. Connie’s home was a place of warmth and hospitality, whether she was hosting her famous taco parties, Friday night coffee gatherings or creating memorable snowmobiling adventures.
Her mouthwatering pies and Halloween popcorn balls were legendary and her Christmas village brought joy to all who saw it. In 2006, Connie and Trueman retired, sold their family home and embarked on an RV journey across the country.
They cherished their time with their children and grandchildren, working as camp hosts and making new friends along the way. In 2016, they settled back in Libby, Montana, where Trueman continues to reside. Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Opal and Donald Smith.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Trueman Philbrick, Sr.; her children, Trueman “Rick“ Philbrick, Jr. (Cindy) and Tracy Philbrick Johnson (Rudy); her beloved grandsons, Yancey and Kegan Philbrick, and Kyle and Niko Johnson; and her three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Judith Cartwright (Seattle), Michael Smith (Elko, Nevada), and Calvin Smith (Pattie) (Helena); her sister-in-law Carolyn Brown (Verona Island, Maine); her brotherin-law Lewis Philbrick (Christine) (Stockton Springs, Maine); and several nieces and nephews.