Kathleen J. Conway Obituary (1930 - 2017)

Kathleen J. Conway 1930-2017 Kathleen (Kay) Johnston Conway died peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, Maine, following a month-long illness. Kay was born in Old Town, Maine, on September 12, 1930, to Loren B. and Geneva (Dunphy) Johnston. She was raised in the small town of Milford, Maine, and graduated from Old Town High School in 1947. She graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in the Class of 1951, with a degree in Education. Kay taught English at Milo High School in Milo, Maine, before relocating to Waterville following her marriage. Kay met her future husband, Will Conway, in the summer of 1953 while both were working at the Ravine House in Randolph, New Hampshire. They were married on June 25, 1955, in Old Town and moved to Waterville, where they raised their three daughters and made their home for 60 years. Kay retired from the English department of Waterville High School in 1988 after teaching countless students the proper use of commas and sharing her appreciation of classic literature. She was a life-long member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was active in the Kennebec Retired Educators Association. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Waterville and also volunteered at and served on the Advisory Council of the Muskie Center. During their years together, Kay and Will enjoyed camping and traveling and, in retirement, spending winter months in Myrtle Beach. Kay was an avid knitter, reader, and follower of her beloved Red Sox. She also enjoyed a good line dance or game of Farkle with friends. Kay was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Thornton (Tom) Johnston. She is survived by her daughters Janice Conway of Alexandria, Virginia; Martha (Bill) Cobb of Fairfield, Maine; and Margaret Conway of Bristol, Rhode Island. Kay was the proud grandmother of Ben Ratier of Bristol, Rhode Island, and Max and Katie Cobb of Fairfield, Maine. Kay is also survived by her sister-in-law Joan Johnston of Placida, Florida, and her three children. Friends may call at the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville on Sunday afternoon, August 20, from 4:00-6:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church on Eustis Parkway in Waterville, on Monday, August 21, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow on Tuesday, August 22, at the New Maine Veterans Cemetery on Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta. The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the nursing staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine, and the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, who so lovingly looked after Kay during her illness. Her daughters are also thankful for the dedication of the caregivers of Maine-ly Elder Care of Oakland, Maine, who provided Kay with care and companionship this past year. Donations in Kay's name may be made to the Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Rd, Augusta, Maine 04330 or to Maine-ly Elder Care 28 Center Street, Oakland, Maine, 04963 or a charity of your choice. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com