Constance M. Hess' Obituary
Constance May Hess, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her children. She was 73 years old.
Born Constance May Friberg on March 25, 1952, in Camden, New Jersey, Connie was a true daughter of South Jersey — shaped by the tight-knit community and resilient spirit of the place she called home for her entire life. She carried Camden in her heart always.
Connie was, above all else, a woman who lived for her family. She poured herself into the people she loved, and her greatest joy was found in the moments spent together — whether gathered around a table, sharing stories, or simply being in one another's company. Those who knew her best knew that she had a special gift for making everyone around her feel seen, cherished, and at home.
She had a passion for dancing that was as natural to her as breathing, and her spirit came alive on any dance floor. Her love of movement, music, and celebration was infectious, and it was the kind of joy that left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to witness it.
Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Gubbei; her parents, Gamber Friberg and Emily Carmen; and her dear sister, Barbara Insogna. Her absence leaves a profound void, but her memory is woven into the lives of everyone she touched.
She is survived by her four daughters, Shannon Melleady, April Mikalic, Jacquiline Leve, Kelly Parker and her son Conrad Frye; her 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, who were among her greatest treasures; and her sisters, Carla Zahn and Lorelei Weatherholtz.
A gathering of family and friends will be held this Wednesday, March 4th from, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Givnish of Maple Shade 600 East Main Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Connie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (donate at alz.org/donate — https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate) or the BrightFocus Foundation (donate at donate.brightfocus.org — https://donate.brightfocus.org/bff/donate), supporting research, care, and advocacy for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Donations may also be mailed if preferred.
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