Constance “Connie” Foxcroft Perrigo, 95 of Essex, passed away peacefully on November 28 at Seacoast Nursing Home in the presence of family.
Born July 28, 1928 in Pittsfield, MA, she was the youngest daughter of the late Marcia and Francis Foxcroft. Connie, a graduate of Reading High, attended Colby College before marrying Robert “Perry” Perrigo Jr. in 1948. Connie and Perry started their life together at Conomo Point, eventually settling at their Western Avenue home.
Connie led an active life. She raised five children and offered a kindergarten out of her home prior to becoming the first public Kindergarten Teacher in Essex. She continued in this role for almost 30 years, shaping the lives of countless children and becoming a fixture in the town. During this time, she worked to further her education and obtained her master's degree. Throughout her life, Connie supported many causes, such as The Special Olympics, Gloucester Pride Stride, The American Cancer Society, and The Open Door. Connie lent her quilting skills to The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, which remained the world's largest quilt until 2022. She hosted families from abroad and created relationships that crossed generations. She enjoyed an array of hobbies, including gardening, tennis, and travel to many destinations near and far. Her adventures led her to winding her way across the U.S., visiting friends and family in Brazil and the United Kingdom, biking the Netherlands, exploring the Soviet Union and more. She was an avid knitter and was rarely seen in winter without her Fisherman sweater or a hat and mittens of her own creation. She could often be seen headed downtown by foot, bike, or even on her cross-country skis. Connie was often on the move, driving to visit family and friends throughout New England well into her 80s.
She is survived by her sons Peter Perrigo and his wife Celeste of Berwick ME, David Perrigo of Glover, VT, John Perrigo and his wife Matilda of Warwick RI; daughters-in-law, Joan Perrigo of Essex, Leanne Perrigo of Beverly; grandchildren Jessie Palm and her husband Michael of Essex, Pam Perrigo of Beverly, Carrie Perrigo-James of New Braunfels TX, Emily Johnson and her husband Benjamin of Chattanooga TN, Jeremy Perrigo and his partner Jenna Wyspianski of East Providence RI, John A. Perrigo of East Providence RI, Logan Perrigo of Warwick RI; great-grandchildren Zoey Palm of Essex, Theodore Johnson of Chattanooga; her niece and good friend Merrie Colby, of South Dennis; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, surrogate children and grandchildren across the globe.
Connie is predeceased by her husband, Perry, daughter Cathy Perrigo, son Robert “Bob” Perrigo III and sister Betsy Colby.
True to Connie’s spirit and passion for education, she chose to donate her body to Tufts University's Anatomical Gift Program. Services are planned for 2024.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Mrs. Perrigo Scholarship Fund (℅ Brookline Bank, PO Box 188, Essex, MA 01929) to benefit Essex graduates pursuing Early childhood or special education.
