Obituary of Jean Conway

Jean Conway passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, March 17th in Bangor, Maine, at the age of 80. She was born November 29, 1930, in Arlington, Kentucky, the daughter of Ruth Garber and T.C. Maxey. Jean attended Union University in Jackson, Tennessee; was a member of Chi Omega and worked as a missionary in Appalachia where she began her lifelong commitment to active social, community service work. After graduating with a BA in Education, Jean began her career as an elementary school teacher in Arkansas, married William Conway and later taught in Tennessee, California and Florida. After teaching, Jean served for many years as a Senate administrative staff person in Washington, D.C. Jean spent most of her life raising her children in Bowie, Maryland. When her children were teens, she participated in the Pre-Adopt/Foster Care Program in Prince Georges County, Maryland and for several years cared for newborns and special needs babies loving them as her own until they were ready to go to their new homes. Jean also opened her home and heart to members of Action Reconciliation, an Alternative Military Service Program offered through the German Government. She became a Conflict Resolution and volunteer Alternative to Violence trainer, actively working in state and federal prisons. After retiring in 1985, Jean and her husband operated the historic Amaziah Ricker House in Cherryfield, Maine as a Bed & Breakfast for over 20 years. Jean had a lifelong appreciation for art, music, learning, reading and collecting. She adored and took great pride in the talents and scholastic achievements of her grandchildren. Jean also enjoyed giving hospitality to many friends and guests at her home along the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield, Maine. She especially loved the crashing waves at Schoodic Point and gazing at the “heavenly” stars in the Maine night sky. She was a member of both the Cherryfield and the Milbridge Historical Societies. Jean spent 15 years as a “snow bird” in New Port Richey, Florida, where she had many dear friends and also attended The Living Word Church. Most recently, Jean especially enjoyed her volunteer work with Hospice of New Port Richey and her mission work with The Lord’s Light House Ministry where she served area migrant families. Jean is survived by her husband, Wm. Hugh (Bill) Conway; son Wm. Hugh Conway II and his wife Mary Holden Conway of Owings, Maryland; son Thomas Maxey Conway of Cherryfield, Maine; daughters, Mary Lynne Conway of Cherryfield, Maine and Julia Elizabeth Conway of Prospect Harbor, Maine; grandchildren Lauren Elizabeth of Boston, Massachusetts; Katherine Jean of Detroit, Michigan; Helen Louise of Prospect Harbor, Maine; Elaine Sarah and Jacob Thomas of Owings, Maryland; her beloved sisters Jeanette Maxey Hampton and brother-in-law Melvin Hampton of Gaffney, South Carolina and Lynn Spraggs and brother-in-law Fred Spraggs of Spring Hill, Florida; her brother-in law Louis Hull of Tampa, Florida and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Jean is also survived by her “second sisters,” her “angels on earth”, Carolyn Livingston of Rhode Island; Rachel Brewer of Maryland; Joanne Pascarella and Carolyn Martin of Florida. The family wishes to extend appreciation to all friends who loved and supported Jean during her lifetime. A memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life will be announced later with a date set in late spring. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Lord’s Light House Ministry P.O. Box 6015 Sun City Center, FL 33571-6015 or a charity of your choice.