RAMSEY, CONSTANCE

Constance Maria (Fletcher) Ramsey: February 27, 1924 – February 17, 2021 One of five girls, Constance was born in Philadelphia and raised by Pearl Brown Fletcher and Chester G. Fletcher. She graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls, completed University of Pensylvania’s personnel administration and Industrial Relations program at the Wharton School and Albertus Magnus College after she moved to New Haven, CT. in 1958.

She was a lifelong learner. She developed an interest in metals and became a professional jeweler custom designing wedding bands, rings, earrings and pendants, which she sold and exhibited at juried shows. A dedicated community and social activist, Constance worked with many local and national organizations including: the NAACP Freedom Fund Drive, the Urban League, Another Mother for Peace, Biafra Relief, Literacy Volunteers and the March of Dimes. She also participated in peace marches in Washington, D.C. and New York City protesting the Vietnam War. As an active member of the Free South Africa Coalition working to end apartheid she was most proud of the fact that she got arrested on the New Haven Green. Constance also served on many boards including the New Haven YWCA, the Women’s Auxiliary of YaleNew Haven Hospital, the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, the Shubert Theatre of the Performing Arts (New Haven) and Yale’s Transitional Year Program for underprivileged students. Later in life she became a gifted writer of poems and essays. Constance moved back to Philadelphia in 1997, and then to Seattle in 2002 after the death of her husband the Honorable William B. Ramsey III. She leaves behind her sister Bette Corbin, three daughters (Paula Lewis, Robyn and Melanie Ramsey), three grandchildren (Winter Henderson, Sydney and Cooper Woolston), two great-grandchildren (Henry and Eloise Henderson), her caregiver Ruby Phillips as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

She will be laid to rest at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia next to her husband. Memorial celebrations will be held in Philadelphia and Seattle once it is again safe to gather.