Constance Daphne Gilden

Constance "Connie" Daphne Gilden, age 88, passed away on January 3, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on July 10, 1927, in Long Island, New York, to parents, Archibald Lodge and Marguerite Daniels Lodge. Connie grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where she did modeling with her four sisters during the Depression era. She attended the Lodge School, which was a private home-based school taught by her father (a school teacher) for professional children models and actors. Connie later worked in retail for Lord & Taylor, a department store in New York City, where she stayed for many years, until marrying her husband, Jules Gilden and becoming a homemaker. Her favorite pastimes were listening to music, puzzles, reading, cooking, knitting & sewing, or anything to do with being creative. She also enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, as well as spending time with her family. She enjoyed life. She touched so many people and whoever met her fell in love with her. She was known for her patience and sweet nature. Connie was always calm, drawing people in with her quiet and reassuring ways. When life gave her hard knocks, she took it all in stride and was there for anyone who needed help, extending herself without a second thought. Connie had to weather so many storms in her life, but always kept a smile. She always saw the bright side of everything. Connie will always be remembered for her optimistic spirit, kind and loving heart and her infectious laugh that is hard to forget. She is predeceased by her parents, Archibald and Marguerite Lodge; husband Jules Gilden; sisters, Virginia Gornes, Dorothy Lodge, Maggie Jones, Betty Niebergall; brother, Archie Lodge, Jr., and her beloved cats, Teisha & Alex who were with her for 20 plus years. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Cheung and son-in-law Tommy Cheung; three grandsons Andrew, Matthew, and Daniel Cheung all of Jacksonville, Florida and a sister, Audrey Barry of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, friend and she had a special love for her grandsons who affectionately called her Nanny. Connie was a sweet lady with a heart of gold who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

A special thank you is extended to Life Care Center of Jacksonville, where she spent several weeks in rehab for therapy. Her therapists, nurses, CNAs and the entire staff made her days a little brighter, making a difference to her with their friendship and exceptional care and support. The family would also like to thank Apex Home Health Care for their kind and compassionate care of mom over the past nine years that they came into the home.

No services are planned at this time.