After a lengthy illness, Connie Windell passed away Jan. 8, 2012. Connie was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Carnarvon, Western Australia to Stavros and Edna May Diamond. She grew up in Kalgoorlie and Perth, Western Australia, and was active in her father’s hotel and restaurant business.

Connie met and married Marion Windell on Aug. 10, 1958, and immigrated to the United States. After a lengthy career in the U.S. Navy, the Windells retired to Whidbey Island in 1981 and have lived here since. Connie was well known in the Coupeville area as she managed the food service operation for the Tyee Cafe for many years and also worked there as a waitress.

She enjoyed working with flowers and took great pride in her flower garden. She was a lover of cats and gave them her devoted affection.

Connie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Marion Windell, of Coupeville; a sister, Lorriane Connell of Les Murdie, Western Australia; brother, Michael Diamondaras of Tauranga, New Zealand; sister-in-law, Mina R King of Morriston, Fla.; and brother and sister-in-law, Gorden and Arlene Windell of Eagle River, Alaska. She is preceded in death by her parents Stavros and Edna May Diamond, sisters, Florence and Irene and a brother, Robert.

Connie will be cremated and interred in Perth, Western Australia at a private family service. There will be no local memorial service in keeping with her personal request.