HIGHSMITH, Connie (née McFadyen)

1948 – 2024

With family by her side, Connie Highsmith (née McFadyen) of Edmonton passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2024, at the age of 75 years.

Connie was predeceased by her parents, Amy and Neil McFadyen. She is survived by her brother, Richard McFadyen (Bauni); nephews, Cameron (Kyla) and Tim (Laura); and her three great-nieces: Penelope, Evelyn, and Violet. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Roberta Tougas, of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and of course, her beloved English Cocker Spaniel, Quinn.

Connie was born in Winnipeg in September 1948. In July 1969 she relocated to Grande Prairie with her family and started her career with the Royal Bank of Canada. She held numerous positions with the bank in Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and Calgary. Upon leaving the bank, she returned to Edmonton, where she joined Cathton Holdings as an Administrative Assistant and worked there until her retirement in 2015.

Among her many passions, choral music was her first love. She was blessed with a classical soprano voice and delighted in singing with choirs in Winnipeg, Grande Prairie, and finally in Edmonton, where she sang with the Knox Metropolitan United Church choir and the Richard Eaton Singers. She also performed in several amateur musical productions, was a featured soloist and sang with small ensemble groups. Connie also found the time to become an accomplished ballroom dancer and world cruiser.

Shortly after her retirement, Connie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and started an arduous battle with the horrible disease which eventually claimed her life. During this period Connie was a resident of the Sapphire Neighbourhood of Touchmark at Wedgewood. We express our sincere thanks to the caring and compassionate staff who supported Connie during her time with them. Even as Alzheimer’s wore away at her, she was always able to share a friendly smile or acknowledgment with the staff and her fellow residents.

A Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Highlands Golf Course (6603 Ada Blvd, Edmonton, Alberta). In lieu of floral tributes, please consider a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta or Radio Station CKUA and her favourite program, Raising Voices. Perhaps take a moment to brew a pot of PG Tips Tea (her favourite) and enjoy a Raising Voices broadcast.

Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley Downtown Chapel To send condolences please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com