Constance Dawn Felder

Constance Dawn Felder; Connie to all that knew her; passed in her home amongst family on July 13, 2026, only five weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The prayers of her family and many friends for a pain free and peaceful passing were clearly answered. Connie showed remarkable courage during her entire illness.

Connie is survived by Edward (Bud ) Felder, her husband of 50 years. She is also survived by her two children, Pamela Cook of North Port and Christopher Felder of Colorado Springs; as well as their much loved respective spouses: Daniel Cook and Brooke Felder. Brooke Felder is the mother of Connie’s beloved grandchild, Allie Felder. Connie is survived by her sisters, Beverly Mason and her husband Richard, of Houston, Texas, and Jennifer Niece of Venice, Florida. Connie was predeceased by her father Floyd D. Niece and mother Florence Niece, both of Stockton, New Jersey.

Connie was born in 1953 in Trenton, New Jersey. She grew up in Stockton, New Jersey which is located very near the Delaware River. Connie graduated with honors from Hunterdon Central High School in 1971. Connie’s many talents emerged during her high school years. In addition to her excellent academic record, she advanced to first chair flautist in her high school band and orchestra in a very large, competitive, well-known and prestigious music program. She excelled in art and was cast in a number of school musicals. Most notable was her important role as the oldest Von Trapp child in The Sound of Music. Connie was especially known for her artwork that she contributed as a co-editor of the school’s yearbook and newspaper.

Connie graduated magna cum laude from Alfred University in 1975 with a major in Psychology, as well as a minor in Biology. She subsequently earned her Masters Degree in Counseling from SUNY Brockport University. While attending Alfred, Connie met her future husband whom she married in 1976. Connie resided in Rochester, New York with her husband and two children for many years. In retirement she moved to Venice in 2011.

Connie’s career years were marked with many praises for her superior leadership, high quality and creative program development, and superior organizational management skills. She was most known for her skill in problem solving and with ability to bring groups together to meet achievement goals. As a boss, Connie was universally described by her co-workers as a great listener. Before retiring to Venice Florida, Connie last worked as Director of Rochester Works, in Rochester, New York.

These same personal qualities and abilities were exhibited in Connie’s highly effective management of the Pelican Pointe book clubs and various roles assisting the Pelican Pointe Woman’s Association. She is responsible for organizing programs to bring local authors to speak at Pelican Pointe and was very dedicated to contributing to the PPWA

within various roles. Connie developed and organized the first couples book club which has been highly successful and is still going strong. She actually chose to move to Pelican Pointe in 2017 because she had heard of the many women’s activities offered there that she wanted to participate in.

Connie spent her entire adult life creating outstanding works of art in textiles, including counted cross stitch samplers and wool penny rugs of her own designs. Some photos of these are included here. It must be mentioned that Connie is probably known as the “Shell Lady.” In the last few years, Connie collected oyster and sea scallop shells she hand cleaned, painted, and decorated. She greatly enjoyed giving the shells to everyone she knew. Connie also enjoyed creating works of art from shells and other beach items.

Connie’s enthusiasm, intelligence, engaging and energetic personality, and dedication to her many friends who knew her will be sorely missed. Connie had a wonderful infectious laugh enjoyed and appreciated by all. Connie loved to entertain and was especially fond of hosting the cooking/recipe club she was a member of. She learned Mahjong and Bridge, playing these games with good friends from Pelican Pointe each week. She was the life of the party and contributed her bubbly personality to social occasions she loved to attend. Connie was always there to offer help and support whenever needed to everyone she knew in Pelican Pointe.

Connie’s family greatly values and very much appreciates the many prayers, positive wishes, and expressions of support and sympathy she received during her illness, and subsequent to her passing.