of Brookline passed away on November 8, 2024. Formerly of Brockton. Connie was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Lester Gilson, and brothers Bernard (Claire) and Julian (Carol) Cohen. She was the daughter of the late Abraham and Frances (Cooper) Cohen of Brookline. Born in Boston, Connie graduated from Wheaton College in 1949. She is survived by her children Nancy Gilson Slate (Ronald), James Gilson (Joan) and Barbara Gilson (Richard). Proud grandmother of Abigail Slate Ciampa (Michael), Jenny Slate (Benjamin), and Stacey Slate, Emma and Anna Rollins and Benjamin Gilson. Beloved great-grandmother to Madeleine, Ruby, Samuel, Ida and Nadine.
Connie will be remembered as an empathic, nurturing and compassionate woman who was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Above all, she was an unselfish woman devoted to finding the good in any person she met. She was dedicated to her family first and foremost, the Jewish community and her wider community at large. She was an advocate for many causes, assuming leadership in Jewish and non-secular organizations. At the mere mention of her name, people would remark what a unique and genuine true friend she was.
Funeral service will be at 8:30 am, Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard St., Brookline, MA. Burial to follow at Lindwood Memorial Park, Randolph, MA. Shiva will be observed at her late residence from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her memory to the Anti-Defamation League, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Hadassah, Hospice of the Good Shephard. Connie’s family wishes to thank Caroline Williams and Mary Primus for their devotion and support. We are also extremely grateful to the care Connie received from the Hospice of the Good Shephard and nurse Judith Arneson.