Constance (“Consie”) W. Cartmell died peacefully in her sleep Monday morning, Aug. 9, 2021, at her home in Rosewood Village, Charlottesville, Virginia. Consie was born July 9, 1925, in New York City and lived most of her life in New Jersey, first in Red Bank and then Rumson.
Consie met Peter Cartmell on the beach in Seabright in 1941. Even at 16 she knew Peter, the handsome life guard, was the one for her. Consie went to Skidmore College for two years, finishing her degree at Monmouth University 30 years later where she served on the Board of Trustees.
Consie married Peter Cartmell May 26, 1945. They lived 75 wonderful years together. Peter died in February 2020. Consie and Peter were the love of each other’s lives. Together they had five children, Virginia (Robert), Peter Bayard, Jennifer (Charles), Elizabeth (Paul) and George (Desiree). Consie and Peter lived to see nine grandchildren grow up and have eight children of their own.
Consie was a wonderful mother. She made sure each of her children had whatever they needed. She always worked to help her children live their dreams. She led Girl Scout troops, took kids camping and organized countless sports and activities. When her Girl Scout troop said they wanted to be in a parade, she worked to create the Rumson Memorial Day parade from Borough Hall to Victory Park, an event which began in 1960 and continues to this day.
A dedicated and admired fixture of her community, Consie created the Rumson Shade Tree Commission in the 1960s and planted trees that continue to thrive, providing shelter and scenery throughout Rumson. She loved the St. George’s-by-the-River Altar Guild and could always be counted on to help organize the annual Cantebury Fair and to make beautiful flower arrangements for the church, witnessing many of her own children’s and grandchildren’s weddings and baptisms in that special church by the river.
Consie and Peter loved to travel and went all over the world. She was an intrepid spirit, never afraid of doing what it took to get things done. When her brother was working to lay black top near the family home, Consie wanted him to bring the bulldozer up to the house to fill a hole. Her brother agreed, but only if Consie drove the bulldozer herself up the street. The neighborhood stood in awe that day as small but mighty Consie steered the machine up the street and filled the hole herself – a can-do spirit that lived on and carried her through the good and the bad times.
In addition to her community activities, Consie was an active member at Seabright Beach Club, Rumson Country Club and Tequesta Country Club in Florida. She and Peter spent many winters in Florida before moving there full time. Consie and Peter loved nothing more than traveling the Florida inter-coastal in their boat, bird watching. She enjoyed swimming, golf, tennis and paddle tennis. Consie was an avid gardener. When not in her garden, she played a sport in every season.
Consie lost her father early in life. Her mother moved her family in with her sister and that combination resulted in nine kids growing up together in one family in Red Bank. The Dillons and the Wingerters were bonded as one family forever. As their kids grew up together, the tradition of family gatherings continued with picnics on Starvation Island and water sports at the family compound at River Lawn in Fair Haven.
Equally comfortable in heels and pearls, attending a Broadway play or riding her own mower around her manicured lawn (well into her 60s and 70s to the delight of her grandchildren), Consie lived unapologetically as her best self and will be forever remembered beaming on the arm of her partner in life and love, Peter Cartmell.
Consie will be missed, but each of her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, known affectionately as “her greats,” know they watched a life well-lived. We miss you and love you, Mom. You are with Dad now.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. George’s-by-the-River, Rumson.
The article originally appeared in the August 19 – 25, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
