Dr. Constance M. Wilson, 72 PORTLAND -- Dr. Constance M. Wilson, 72, of Portland, passed away Feb. 17, 2010, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland. She was born on Oct. 7, 1937, in Blackstone, Mass., the daughter of Robert W. and Eleanor L. (Nichols) Wilson, attended local schools, and graduated from The Lincoln School in Providence, R.I. Constance earned her bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College in 1959, and her Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1970. Additionally, Dr. Wilson's life was centered around daily study and learning. She was fluent in several languages including, French, Thai, Latin , Sanskrit and Pali. She also traveled the globe at least twice. Dr. Wilson served as a professor at San Francisco State College from 1966-1967, and at Northern Illinois University from 1967 to 2003. She taught in several Southeast Asian countries, as well as conducted extensive research in Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, general Asia, China, Japan and India. Dr. Wilson was a conscientious objector to the War in Viet Nam, and became an authority on the War and the ongoing issues centered around Southeast Asia. Throughout her teaching career she wrote numerous grants and was the recipient of many grants and awards. Dr. Wilson was a member of the American Historical Association and the Association for Asian Studies, and was a lifetime member of the Burma Research Society and the Siam Society. Constance wrote over 150 published papers, as well as a book entitled 'Thailand: A Handbook of Historical Statistics,' which was published in 1983. Dr. Wilson was appointed in 2009 as a founding member of the Board of Advisors for the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University and also just completed an edited book entitled, 'The Middle Mekong River Basin: Studies in Tai History and Culture, 2009.' Dr. Constance M. Wilson On a more personal note Constance was a true connoisseur of all of the arts and visited museums all over the world. She was a supporting member of the various symphonies where she lived and she especially enjoyed Ballet and the Opera. Constance demonstrated a quiet thoughtfulness to her family. She often sent cards and gifts when it was least expected, but most needed. She took a special interest in her nephews, nieces and the children. She was predeceased by her father, Dr. Robert W. Wilson Sr.; her brother, Robert W. Wilson Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Dr. Melba Wilson. Constance is survived by her mother, Eleanor of Jefferson; a sister, Mary Martha Wilson Collins and her husband Edwin of Jefferson, a brother, Dr. Roger M. Wilson of Bar Harbor; four nieces and nephews, Diane Sare and her husband Chris of New Jersey, Dr. Cynthia Richards and her husband Ted of North Carolina, Terry Collins and his wife Amy of Biddeford, and Dr. Micky Collins and his wife Lynn of Pittsburg, Pa.; and 12 much loved great-nieces and great-nephews. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Portland Friends Meeting House, 1837 Forest Ave., Portland. Arrangements respectfully handled by the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Constance's name may be made to: The American Friends Service Committee 1501 Cherry St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102