Constance L. Breland-Cumbo, "Connie" entered this world on December 1, 1948 to the late John and Mary Cumbo. She attended Holy Rosary Elementary School and Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in Brooklyn, New York. After high school Connie married and started her family: Amanda (deceased), Richard, Lamont and Aja. When her children were in high school, she pursued her education: Consumer's River College, Sacramento, CA; Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA and Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. After various jobs throughout, her ultimate career was Teacher for Special Need Students. She was very encouraging and supportive with her students, offering guidance, tutoring, praise and love for them to be the best person they could be in their endeavors. Connie was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where she immensely enjoyed Reading God's Word (Lector) at Mass and volunteering in the office working with Social Action and helping the homeless. Connie was also a former member of the Ladies of St. Peter Claver Auxiliary Court #362. She also enjoyed being a member of the SWR Book Club for many years and also a member of a Birthday Club for well over ten years. Connie was also a therapeutic foster care parent for several different agencies on the Peninsula for many years. Connie loved to travel with her friends to various countries. She took numerous cruises to different Caribbean Islands, trips to London, Paris and Rome. However, her most memorable was her trip to Havana, Cuba. Her dream was to revisit and tour the entire island. She did her best to attend the Jazz Festivals: Montreal, Havana, Newport, R.I., Capital Jazz Festival, Richmond, etc. Connie's kind heart and personality drew many people to her and her hospitality welcomed many into her home. Connie was a proud mother, a dedicated wife and loyal friend. She loved and adored her children and grandchildren. There was never any hesitation to jump in her car, New York bound, to celebrate her grand's birthday, Christmas or just "because" she wanted to spend some time with her family. She departed this life on January 11, 2015. She is survived by: her husband, Robert; her children, Richard (Charisse), Lamont, Aja (Leroy); stepdaughter, Nailah, her grandchildren, Crystina, Kayla, London, two stepgrandsons; Khayri and Khalil; brother, Charles Cumbo, sister, Earlene Cumbo. She also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. God looked around His garden and found an empty space. Then He looked down upon the earth and saw you tired face. He placed His arms around you, and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew you were in pain, He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your eyes and whispered "Peace Be Thine." It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, A part of us went with you, the day God called you home. If love would have saved you, you never would have died. MY BELOVED WIFE The moment that you died my heart was torn in two, one side filled with heartache the other died with you. I often lie awake at night, when the world is fast asleep, and take a walk down memory lane, with tears upon my cheeks. Remembering you is easy, I do it every day, but missing you is heartache that never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart, and there you will remain until the joyous day arrives, that we will meet again. -Unknown Acknowledgement The family wishes to express their deep appreciation and sincere thanks for all acts of kindness shown to them in their time of bereavement. Special love and thanks to Cassandra Agard, Lorraine Holly, Paula Fendall and Beverly Manning for their support to Connie accompanying her to chemo, doctor appointments and lots of encouragement.