OSWEGO, NY – It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Constance E. Schrader (Nana) as she peacefully passed on Friday June 13, 2014, in the confidence of her exceptional faith and with family by her side.
The daughter of John and Clara Dyer, Constance was born on August 10, 1921, in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England.
It was April of 1944 amid the chaos of war when she married the love of her life, Joseph H. Schrader, and bravely left behind all she knew to begin life anew in the United States.
With the most pleasant English accent, she was intensely proud to call herself an American.
The two were blessed with 57 years of marriage and left in their wake a seemingly endless number of people that were affected by the goodness they espoused.
Constance worked for the Oswego Police Department for more than 40 years as a crossing guard and supervisor, and when she could give no more reluctantly retired at the age of 86.
Dedicated to the safety of her charges and treating all like her own she lovingly became know to all as Nana.
She was always so thrilled when years later the once mischievous boys that society tends to write off would sit with her and talk for hours about how she influenced their lives and gave them hope and direction, losing themselves in conversation as though reconnecting with her was some kind of tonic for the soul.
She had that magical effect on people.
Her gift to lift up those around her transcended even oceans, as she knew what love truly means.
No problem seemed too large when confiding in her.
She kept family grounded and connected.
Priests that called on her at home left with their own faith renewed.
Even at work police officers would crowd in the hallway and giggle like children while listening to Nana convince even the most hard-nosed police chief to agree with her.
Her special blend of steadfast charm, a unique sense of humor and quick wit always made everything okay.
She was the pillar so many needed to stand that much higher.
She will be missed deeply and fondly remembered.
Connie is survived by her children, Paul and Penny Schrader of Oswego, Jacqueline and Ronald Babcock of Oswego, Constance and William Hogan of Palmer, Alaska, Michael Schrader of Oswego, Pamela and Edward Hammond of Fellsmere, Florida, and Victoria and Scott Nesbitt of Ontario, NY; as well as her grandchildren (the little twits) Andrea, Joseph, Mathew, Kevin, Eppie, Nathan, Jason, Stephen, Kristie, Becky, Joshua, Jesse and Emily.
Nana was a great-grandmother of 26 and a great-great-grandmother of five.
She is also survived by the large and loving extended Schrader/Naylor families both in the U.S. and England.
She wa predeceased by her Joe; her sister and brother-in-law, Queenie and William Naylor; brother, John Dyer; grandson, Matthew; granddaughter, Kiley; niece, Jacqueline Heptonstall; and nephew, Gordon Carey.
All are welcome to come celebrate her life with us.
Calling hours are scheduled for 2-7 p.m. on Friday at Dowdle Funeral Home, East Fourth Street, Oswego.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, West Seventh Street, Oswego.
Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 103 W. Seventh St., Oswego NY 13126.
missing or outdated ad config
Although I met Mrs. Schrader only a couple of times through my friend,
Linda Ingersoll (Mike’s friend) in the 1970s. She brought me over to
meet one of the war brides (at least that’s what I remember about the
visit). And, I was the recipient of some of her wonderful British
imported fiction she brought to Bill’s grocery where there was an
‘exchange.’ My lifelong love of Brit fiction (mostly mysteries) all
comes down to her, I guess, lol.
I know she was a special lady, you can sort of tell when you speak with
someone, even if not for very long, or that often. I’ve remembered her
for almost forty years, so you know that’s true! I’m sorry to hear of
your loss. I hope one of your family members will write down those
wonderful stories she told, so they are never lost to future
generations! People like her don’t come along more than every few
generations!
From Deborah Engelke