Mary L. Conley

(1932-2023)

Mary L. Conley, 91, beloved and devoted Mother, Grandmother, and GreatGrandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18th after a short illness surrounded by her loving family. Born in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Katherine and Lawrence Lapenta. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert C. Conley.

Mary grew up in Middletown and lived most of her life in Portland before moving back to Middletown to live with her daughter Julie and family. Mary worked at Middlesex Hospital Maternity Floor for many years before her retirement. Mary was loving, caring, giving and will be remembered for her generosity and compassion. She had a heart of gold and always thought of others with her acts of kindness, raising her family to do the same. Mary’s family was her world, as well as her many extended family members and friends. She loved to vacation in Lake George, New York (where she went white-water rafting just four years ago) and North Conway, New Hampshire, as well as baking (especially Christmas cookies with Julie), watching old movies with Matt, reality TV shows, and most of all her ultimate favorite was Outlander with Jamie Fraser. Mary was always busy crocheting many blankets and hats for friends and family, donating many of these items as well. She loved her daily phone calls with her daughters, cousin Jean, and longtime friend

Netta. Mary had a great sense of humor and was the first to step up to help anyone in need.

Mary leaves behind and will be greatly missed by her daughters, Karen (and Robert) Binnington of Portland, Barbara (and Mike) Mershimer of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Julie (and Sal) Milardo of Middletown, her grandchildren, Matthew (wife Ramsey), Courtney, Rob (wife Krista), Ryan, Antonio and Ava (who all called her Grandma, Gram, or “Omie”), and her great-grandchildren, Logan, Ian, Gavin, and Cassidy.

Mary’s family would like to thank Dr. Franklin, Dr. Kapoor, Dr. Novak, and Dr. Pete for the years of taking such excellent care of their mother.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 28th at 10 a.m. in the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, March 27th from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in the family plot in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland.