Widow of city’s boxing legend
Mary Louise Conn of Squirrel Hill, the widow of famous Pittsburgh boxer Billy Conn, died Monday night at the age of 94.
Mary Louise and Billy Conn were married for over 50 years and were “forever linked,” even after Billy’s death in 1993, said Michael Conn, the couple’s son.
“She was a real Pittsburgher,” he said. “People always recognized her as his wife. They were really a unique couple.”
Born Mary Louise Smith, she and Conn married in 1941, shortly after “The Pittsburgh Kid” nearly upset heavyweight champion Joe Louis on June 18, 1941, in one of the most memorable fights of the 20th century.
The couple, and the fight, were subjects of a famous 1985 Sports Illustrated story by Frank Deford, called “The BOLANOVICHBoxer and the JOYCE W. Blonde.”
In addition to son Michael, Mrs. Conn is survived by two sons, Tim and Billy Jr.
Visitation is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at John A. Freyvogel Sons.
A memorial service will be held Friday at St. Bede Church at 11 a.m.