Connie Caye Farrington, 70, of Seffner, FL, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. A native of Elgin, IL, she had resided in the Tampa Bay area for 51 years. Connie was raised in the First Baptist Church of Elgin where she was a lifetime member confessing her belief and faith in Jesus Christ. Connie is a graduate of Larkin High School in Elgin. While in high school she met Wayne Perry. Connie and Wayne dreamt of leaving the mid-west winters behind, having visited Florida during spring break. Shortly after graduation, Connie and Wayne moved to Florida married and began to raise a family.
A mother first, Connie had a variety of career paths, she worked for Eastern Airlines as a Reservationist, then a Flight Attendant and completed interior design school. Connie also was a fashion model for Nieman Marcus and had a walk on part in the movie Scarface. She spent several years in the hospitality industry. Connie throughout her life served others with grace and hospitality. While in high school, she taught English to Spanish speaking immigrants using pictures. Her compassion, passion, interest and energy were usually focused on assisting the homeless and the needy back to self-sufficiency. She was known for having a heart of gold for those who were hurting and could not always see or navigate the path forward.
In 2008, Connie, as a member of Bay Life Church, was selected by the Greater Brandon Ecumenical Ministries, Inc as the Executive Director of I Am HOPE Café on the grounds of First Baptist Church Mango. Connie was selected to lead this ministry representing eleven churches, one synagogue and ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization). Connie served in this role until 2014 when she retired.
Connie, with the assistance of volunteers, coordinated providing hot meals three evenings a week and breakfast on Saturday mornings. She also sought and coordinated hot showers twice a week and monthly medical care through a SunCoast Mobile Medical Unit. She partnered with the pastor, church mothers and congregation at First Baptist Church Mango who opened clothes closet to provide clean changes of clothes. Connie opened a resource office to provide referrals and resources in the community to help guest back to self-sufficiency. I am HOPE Café provided funds for motels for families with children and funds to help reunite the homeless with families in other parts of the country. Each year, the Café would host a wonderful Christmas party with each child being sponsored with new toys and clothing. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus attended and there was a live band with a sing along of Christmas Carols.
Connie met Mark Farrington in September 2001 and they were married in 2005.
Connie is survived by her husband, Mark Farrington; sons, Mike (Amy) and Jason Perry; brothers, Craig, Steve and Dave Benthusen; several nieces and nephews; eight grandchildren, Connor, Madison, Brooke, Hannah, Kendall, Payton, Dawson, Taylor and numerous great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Connie will be held at The Chapel at Mango, 11505 E. Broadway Avenue, Seffner, FL 33584, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 AM with family receiving friends thirty minutes prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to ECHO, bridging the gap between crises and stability.
Previous Events
Visitation
23
Mar
11505 E Broadway Avenue
Seffner, FL 33584
Memorial Service
23
Mar
11505 E Broadway Avenue
Seffner, FL 33584
