PLATTSBURGH – Constance "Connie" Durkee, 90, of Cornelia Street, passed away October 12, 2022.

She was born in Plattsburgh on March 7, 1932, the daughter of Agnes (LaClair) and Eugene Durkee.

Connie graduated from Plattsburgh High School in 1950 and SUNY Cortland in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude and valedictorian of her class.  She was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi-a National Education Honor Society.  She received a Master of Science degree from SUNY Cortland in 1964 and a Master of Library Science degree from the University of North Texas in 1974.  She did further studies at SUNY Plattsburgh and Texas Women's University.

Connie taught physical education and/or library science at schools in the Albany and Rochester areas, as well as Beekmantown Central School, Peru Central School, SUNY Plattsburgh, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Connie was also very active professionally and served as State President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Public Relations Chair of the Association of Women in Physical Education in New York; New York State President of the Division of Girl's and Women's sports;  Public Relations Chair of the Women's Physical Education Department at the University of Iowa;  and President of the Pavilion Faculty Association and the New York State United Teachers Chapter.

Connie was a member of the National Ski Patrol and served at various Northern New York ski areas; a member of the Program/Membership committee for the Plattsburgh YMCA;  a member of the Beartown Ski Area Board of Directors, serving as Public Relations Chair;  and an instructor in the osteoporosis exercise class with RSVP.

Connie's lifetime was devoted to reading and living physical fitness.  She was a mountain climber and skier throughout New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Colorado and Canada.  Connie was an excellent skier who skied every winter for over 65 years.  She walked daily four to five miles in all weather occupied by her various dog companions Bridget, Kiltie and Bryn.

Connie also enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the Wednesday Bridge Club and served as President of the Monday Bridge Club, for over 15 years.  She traveled extensively by car in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Survivors include six nieces and nephews, Lynn O'Meara, Michael McCormick, Richard McCormick, Jennifer Knapp, Diana Anderson, and Peter McCormick.

She was predeceased by her parents;  two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jacqueline (Richard) McCormick and Nancy (Albert) Cooper;  and one nephew, Eugene Cooper.

The family would like to give special thanks to Charlene Beshaw, Connie's Caregiver.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Beartown Ski Area, The Plattsburgh YMCA, or the Elmore SPCA.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.