Constance L. Bass (Connie), born January 28, 1931, passed away July 17, 2014.

Connie graduated from Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA. in 1949 and attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where she studied costume design. She married Melvyn L. Bass in 1953. Mel and Connie moved to Stuart, FL in 1988.

Connie started her volunteer career as a clerk in Martin County's administration offices. She was one of the founding members of the Port Salerno Revitalization Committee. While serving on the PSRC she conceived the "About F.A.C.E." program fashioned after the Dance Theatre of Harlem, offering local children free after school dance and art lessons. She was also instrumental in creating the first children's library in the Old Salerno School, funded by a $200.00 grant from the Library Foundation and staffed entirely by volunteers.

Connie volunteered at the Martin Memorial Hospital where she chaired the Front Desk and Thrift shop, and was elected Vice President of the Auxiliary. She maintained a lifetime membership and earned 8500 hours of service.

Connie also served on the Library Board of Trustees and was President of the Friends of the Blake Library. While at Blake Library she created many innovative and popular programs such as the Inaugural Booked Lunch, Torchbearers (Extraordinary Women discuss life issues), Mangia Baby, Family Place, Veterans Day Celebration, Feel Good Fridays and the Red Bench Project.

She also served on the Community Redevelopment Agency, Neighborhood Advisory Committee and helped to establish the master plan for the CRA in Port Salerno.

The following are awards that Connie received for her service; Florida State Trustee and Library Award (Volunteer of the year), J.C. Penny "Golden Rule" award, National Assoc. of Counties for Mangia Baby, League of Women Voters "Susan B. Anthony", March of Dimes Citizens of Distinction Award (2001), American Red Cross Volunteer Award, Soroptimist Volunteer Award and Marties Award for Outstanding Volunteer (2004)

Connies last volunteer work was for the House of Hope, working in the thrift shop and coordinating fund raising events.

She is survived by her husband Melvyn, sons William and James, daughter in law Sherie, and grandsons Winston and David. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital..