VALDESE, N.C. – Constance Plourde-Carlton, director of marketing contract for Valdese Weavers, died May 26, 2003 after a long illness. She was 44. She leaves behind a husband, Robert and two children, Emma and Sam. During her career, she represented Guilford of Maine, Milliken and Craftex. In 1995, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., she joined Valdese Weavers and spearheaded the company's expansion into the contract market.

"Valdese Weavers will treasure the legacy that Connie established during her time with us,'' said Mike Shelton, Valdese CEO. ''She was a person of great passion and drive for her career and as such became an accomplished sales and marketing professional. We will forever benefit from her vision and accomplishments because her efforts established a new business in contract that will serve as a foundation for our future success. Her impact will never fade.''