Constance Laymon
COLONIE — Constance Laymon, 46, passed away suddenly at her home on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012.
She was born in Smithtown, the daughter of Moya Williams and Gordon Laymon.
In 1984, Constance sustained a spinal cord injury which would influence the direction of the rest of her life. After graduating from high school, she received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English, both from SUNY Albany. In recent years she was working towards her degree in doctoral studies in Public Policies and English.
Constance was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Consumer Directed Choices, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and advance community-based supports to promote self-determination in people with disabilities and their families.
Constance served on several state and local workgroups and councils, including the New York State (NYS) Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council; NYS Department of Health (DOH) Durable Medical Equipment Workgroup; NYSDOH Long Term Care Restructuring Advisory Committee; NYSDOH Money Follows the Person Waiver Demonstration Workgroup; NYS Office of the Aging New York Connects Nursing Home Diversion Subcommittee; NYSDOH Home Care Reimbursement Workgroup; NYS Health Care Reform Advisory Committee; Albany County Long Term Care Council; and the NYS Medicaid Redesign Team’s Subcommittee on Consumer Direction and Managed Care.
Constance was the past president of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State.
Constance was a passionate and tireless advocate against the unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities. Constance was a woman you met once but remembered for a lifetime. She was known for her frank manner and outspoken honesty.
Constance shared her life with her beloved service dogs, Brandee, Obie and her rescue dog, Kody, who all predeceased her.
She leaves behind her two faithful canine companions, Anja and Amos.
In addition to her parents, Constance is survived by her brothers and sisters, Gordon Laymon Jr. (Shade) and his wife, Karen Shade, Abby Welch, Roberta Muzzy, James Williams, George Williams, Benjamin Williams and his wife, Tammy; her cherished nephews, Gordon Laymon III and Connor Welch; her cherished niece, Erin Williams; and her beloved aunts, Harriett Laymon and Ruth Dornburgh.
A celebration of remembrance will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. Calling hours will precede the service from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Consumer Directed Choices, 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205 or to Peppertree Rescue, P.O. Box 2396, Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Constance.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com.
