Constance Beverly Lima died on the cold and snowy evening of Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Connie was born to the late Marion and Ruth (Andrews) Viera on June 30, 1937. She married the love of her life, Antone Lima, on June 16, 1962. They were married for 45 years until he died in October of 2007. Lala, as she was fondly known, was a caretaker of people in both her personal and professional life. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse who worked hard for nearly 50 years off and on at both the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Windemere Nursing Home, all while raising her children Sonya, Marc and Kelly. Connie was known for her kindness and generosity, and her family and friends, patients and coworkers, and the occasional stranger in need, all benefitted from these qualities.

Lala leaves behind great memories for her three grandchildren whom she adored, Tony Lima, Barry MacDonald Lima and Renee Orcione. Additionally saddened by her loss are Thomas Orcione, Kelly’s husband, Brian Maciel, Sonya’s partner, and Katrina Delgadillo, Marc’s girlfriend. She will also be sorely missed by her very best friend, Sue Canha.

Connie was predeceased by her nephew Benny Viera, her sister Marilyn Jernegan, her brother Milton and his wife Janice (Norton) Viera. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her brother Benjamin and his wife Joyce (Norton) Viera, her brother Marion (Buzzy) Viera and his wife Donna Cole Viera, her youngest brother Brian Viera, along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Donations in memory of Connie may be made to the Red Stocking Fund or Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for information.