Constance “Connie” Elizabeth Preble Oswald, 89, of Columbus, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017.

She was born on March 30, 1927, in Old Town, Maine, a daughter of the late Wesley Eugene and Dorothy Hammond Preble. Connie earned a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University and M.Ed. from Furman University. Connie spent the majority of her working career as a special education teacher with the Greenville County School System retiring after 25 years of dedicated classroom service. She was honored by the Greenville County School System and the Greenville Rotary Club in 1990 for the “High Standards of Excellence” she maintained throughout her career. After retirement, her love for the outdoors led her to a new calling, serving many years as a volunteer for the US and NC State Parks Services.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, George Jonathan Oswald of Columbus, N.C. She is also survived by her four children, Patricia Ann Turner (Gary) of Landrum, S.C.; Richard Wesley Oswald (Lola) of Leicester, N.C.; Stephen George Oswald (Edie) of Richmond, Va.; David Michael Oswald; and seven grandchildren.

A private service was held on Saturday, March 4, 2017.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon, N.C.