Constance Emerson Hitt died peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the Residence at Shelburne Bay. Born on December 29, 1931, in New Haven, Conn., Connie was the daughter of Helen Robinson and Dean Abbot Emerson. She was raised alongside her brothers, William and Charles, and spent many cherished summers at Elmwood, her family’s home in Hancock, N.H.
Connie graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1953 with a concentration in Romance languages. Following graduation, she traveled aboard the Queen Elizabeth before moving to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the NSA as a cryptographer. Connie married Frederick Hitt in Orange, Conn., in 1957, and together they raised their three children in Cheshire, Conn.
Connie worked as a social worker in a convalescent home and later as a title searcher for a law office. She was an active member of the Cheshire Garden Club and volunteer at the Red Cross and a local rehab hospital. She found joy in tennis, bridge, book club, travel and spending time with friends. She loved to make oatmeal bread and was famous for her homemade pies. Connie was an enthusiastic fan of the New York Giants, the Yankees and Rafael Nadal.
Connie made South Burlington, Vt., her home in 2005 to be near family. She became deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren: Caroline Hall Callahan and Charles, Elizabeth and Katherine Hall. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader and taught all who knew her the importance of encouraging and celebrating others. Connie was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Burlington and the Women of UVM, as well as a beloved member of the Brand Farm neighborhood. She remained physically active throughout her life, enjoying hiking, skiing, golfing, board games and birding with friends. Connie set a high standard, playing tennis well until the age of 89.
Connie is survived by her children, Katherine Carroll, Tobin Hitt and Robin Hall; her cherished sons-in-law, Steven Carroll and Mattock Callahan; her grandchildren, nieces and nephew; and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers and her beloved son-in-law, Bradley Hall. A celebration of Connie’s life will be held on July 12, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Shelburne Vineyard. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Girls & Boys Club of Burlington in her memory.