Connie Diane (Bitterman) Formby, age 66, of Lancaster, slipped peacefully into the presence of Jesus, on Friday, March 25, 2022, following an illness. She was born in Lancaster on August 8, 1955–the daughter of Chester A. Bitterman Jr. and Mary (Witmer) Bitterman.
Connie is survived by her loving husband, Grant Formby of Lancaster; her son, Morgan Alling of Fort Worth, TX; an older brother Curt Bitterman, married to Diane (Buckwalter) of Lancaster; and six younger siblings: Carol, married to Rich Statler of New Providence; Craig, married to Dawn (Weaver) of Strasburg; Grant, married to Joanne (Dotterer) of New Providence; Chris, married to Ginger (Lopp) of Lexington, NC; and Cindy, married to Peter Tuckey of Leola; as well as 17 nieces, 10 nephews, 19 great nieces and 19 great nephews. Connie is preceded in death by: her older brother Chet Bitterman III, a Wycliffe martyr; her nephew, Ethan Tuckey; and her mother, Mary (Witmer) Bitterman.
After graduating from Conestoga Valley High School, Connie completed her RN training, and then midwifery training. For years, Connie owned and operated Nature’s Pearl Midwifery Services, in Texas. She delivered many babies, including some in remote areas worldwide, as well as, in Texas. Connie’s vocational experiences include: working with a Naturopathic doctor, managing HSAs, selling granite counter tops, produce sales, Willow Valley dining services, etc. Connie’s interest in service dogs led her to CA to get formal instruction in training dogs.
Connie lived her life in the hope of Jesus Christ, with the expectation that what she said and did would make a difference in the lives of others. She loved to help friends and family. This took on many forms including: sewing pillows, remodeling and decorating, stacking wood, yard restoration, sewing repairs, organizing finances and files, scrapbooking memoirs, making jewelry, canning relish and whatever else was needed. Connie had a natural flair for creativity! She offered her sewing skills to many who were planning weddings. Her love for gardening motivated her to improve flower beds wherever she went, including planting wildflowers in center city Fort Worth, TX. Connie’s interest in natural remedies motivated her self-education in that area. She became an invaluable resource; and many who were troubled with ailments sought out her expertise. Connie enjoyed the eloquence of words and was a great storywriter and correspondent. In recent years, after their return to Lancaster, she hosted weekly gatherings for family, purposefully getting to know their interests and struggles, sharing whatever she could with them, to bless their lives. She prayed regularly and individually for her family, just as her mother had done, before her.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 in the Calvary Church Chapel at 1051 Landis Valley Rd, Lancaster, PA. The receiving line will begin at 4:30PM and the service at 5PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Connie’s memory, to: Heartland Hospice, 3417 Concord Rd., Suite C, York, PA 17402.
Cremation Services of Lancaster (717) 273-6283