Constance W. Benoliel-Rock

Constance Willoughby Benoliel-Rock passed away peacefully the morning of Wednesday, September 15th at the age of 91 in Philadelphia, PA. She was energetic, engaging and full of life until the end, an inspiration to everyone she met, with an insatiable curiosity about people and places. She is survived by her sister - Gail; her five children – Leslie, Jeff, Shawn, Peter and Todd; and 16 grandchildren. She was the loving wife of Dr. Milton L. Rock, who predeceased her in 2018; she was previously married to Peter A. Benoliel. One of three children, she was born in New York City on July 25, 1930. Throughout her life, Connie always was independent minded and willing to accept new challenges of her time. A graduate of Syracuse University in 1952, she raised five children, and developed and managed specialized cultural tours throughout the world. Additionally, she supported numerous non-profits throughout the Philadelphia area, and was closely affiliated with The Rock School of Dance Education and International House of Philadelphia, sharing her keen insight. An outstanding athlete, her lifelong love of sport extended from being on the Philadelphia Cricket Club Women’s Field Hockey team and playing tennis, to skiing until her mid-80s and playing golf which she picked up later in life. Connie’s love of travel created a global community of close friends who could join her at her favorite places of Philadelphia; Castellaras, Mouans-Sartoux, France; Stowe, Vermont; and Dorado, Puerto Rico. Her adventures included hiking in Nepal’s Himalayas, safaris in South Africa, sailing in the Greek Islands, cruising the Panama Canal and skiing in the Swiss and French Alps. Her friends – and many others – frequently enjoyed her flair for entertaining and outstanding culinary skills. She had a passion for introducing all whom she met to each other; and to the finer arts and cultures that the world has to offer. Funeral services will be a private and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to The Rock School for Dance Education.