Constance Wolford

Constance (Connie) Lyons Wolford, age 93, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025. She was born on December 18, 1931, in Corry, Pennsylvania, to the late Arch and Araline (Drought) Lyons. Connie spent much of her childhood and high school years in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Port Allegany High School, where she excelled in academics and music. Connie attended Penn State University on an academic scholarship, made the Dean's List, and earned a BA in Education and an MA in Speech, Language, and Hearing.

After graduating, Connie moved to Erie to begin her career as a speech and hearing therapist with the Erie School District. She dedicated herself several years to this position before joining the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center, where she took considerable pride in her work. In addition to her professional commitments, she regularly performed with the Gibby Porche Trio throughout Erie and made appearances on WICU television, as well as at the Bel Air and Kenyon hotels. It was during one of these performances that she caught the attention of her future husband, Attorney John Wolford.

Connie was the quintessential host, known for her ability to throw memorable parties filled with wonderful friends, family, delicious food, and lively music. As an active member of the Erie Yacht Club, she brought joy to generations during events such as the annual Christmas party, Spring Fling, and Opening Day. An accomplished pianist and organist, Connie wrote, performed, and volunteered for various musical events throughout Erie, eagerly taking the stage to sing whenever a band played. She was most proud of her family of sailors aboard the yacht "Constance" and enthusiastically participated in celebrations wherever they occurred. She cherished her family, friends, pets, and the time she spent nurturing her garden.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Atty. John Wolford, her brothers Dr. Richard Lyons and Dr. Gary Lyons, and her sister Phyllis Honey.

Connie is survived by her four children: Christian Wolford (Kathy) and their children Erin Singleton (Chris) and Jonathan; Matthew Wolford (Marian) and their children Claire, John, Ben, and Dan; Philip Wolford; and Hollis O'Hare (Gavin) and their daughters Ryann and Maeve. She was a great-grandmother to Jordan Singleton and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers who supported Connie in her later years, to the dedicated staff at Manchester Commons, who ensured she was always at her best. We sincerely thank Terri Hourigan Aulenbacher for her steadfast friendship and kindness.

The family will gather on a peaceful autumn day for a Funeral Mass and burial at St. Gabriel's Church in Port Allegany, PA. During the Christmas season, a celebration of her life will be held at the Erie Yacht Club, where family and those whose lives she touched will come together to honor her memory for a final farewell to a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to the Barber National Institute, www.barberinstitute.org or the Sarah Reed Children's Center, www.sarahreed.org.  The John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.