Eileen R. Conway

Turin- Eileen R. Conway, 86, of East Road, beloved wife of Jack, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 surrounded by her loving caregivers, her husband, Jack and daughter, Joanne.

In 1960, Jack and Eileen purchased the Paul Dewey Dairy Farm on East Road, near Turin and together, they operated the farm until their retirement and their son and his family took over.

Eileen was born in West Leyden, on April 24, 1937, a daughter of Bernice McCanney and was raised by Bernice and her grandparents, James “Jim” and Rose McCanney. She grew up on Mohawk Hill and also near Turin, receiving her education at Constableville Central School, graduating from high school with the Class of 1955. Eileen was a longtime member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church of Houseville.

On May 24, 1956, Eileen was united in marriage with the love of her life, John “Jack” Conway, at St. Mary’s Church, Constableville. At the time of their marriage, Mr. Conway was serving his country in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. After their marriage the couple lived at Ft. Knox, until Mr. Conway was honorably discharged and they returned to the Turin area.

Eileen will be fondly remembered as someone who always had a smile on her face, and her warm embrace and hugs welcomed everyone into her heart with the same unwavering love and joy. She was the best example of a loving and providing, wife, mother, and eventually grandmother and great-grandmother. Eileen was a caretaker to many, and cherished time spent with her loved ones. At home, she was always working on the farm, growing flowers and vegetables, cooking, and baking. She found much joy in decorating their home for holidays, and hosting large family gatherings. Eileen enjoyed bowling competitively, playing cards, and special trips with friends. She was talented at sewing, crocheting and knitting, making many memories for her family. Eileen was a 4H leader where she found pleasure in teaching others to sew. For many years she and her mother, Bernice enjoyed working together as wallpaper hangers in area homes. She loved to attend her children’s/grandchildren’s activities including sports, horse shows, musicals, and dance competitions. During her leisure time, she found pleasure in weekend shopping excursions with family. Eileen also greatly enjoyed attending Polka dances with her husband, Jack alongside their family. Her children and grandchildren have fond memories of learning how to Jitterbug and Polka with her in the barn.

Eileen greatly loved her family and in addition to her husband, John “Jack” Conway, she is survived by her children: Randy (Sue) Conway, Turin and Joanne (Dwayne) Salmon, Turin, eight loving grandchildren: Sarah Shue, Douglas (Brittany) Salmon, Derek (Ashley) Conway, Nicholas (Lindsey) Kenealy, Ryan (Tracy) Salmon, Patrick (Karleen) Salmon, Jacob (Ruthanne) Conway and Rachel Salmon, 20 adored great grandchildren: Carter, Gabrielle, Brooke, Emma, Tyler, Landyn, Harper, Cadyn, Jonathan, Kara, Aryanna & Hannah Salmon, Julia (Dillon Compo) & Khloe Shue, Rozlyn Clark, John & Wyatt Kenealy, Oakley & Case Conway and step-great grandson, Michael Garramone, sister-in-law’s: Mary Mathis, Lowville, Patricia Barnes, Canastota, brother-in-law: Francis Conway, Manlius, nieces, nephews, cousins and her sister at heart: Sandy Stoffle.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Jacqueline Kenealy, son-in-law, John Kenealy, her mother & step-father, Bernice and Stanley “Stub” Percoskie, mother-in-law, Katherine “Marie” Conway, a sister-in-law, Anne Conway, brother-in-law’s, Raymond Mathis and Robert Barnes and uncles that she thought of as brothers: Gerald, Norman, Aubrey, Jerome and Donald McCanney.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 10am-12pm with a funeral mass to follow at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville where Rev. Severinus Torwoe of St. Peters Church, Lowville and St. Hedwig’s Church, Houseville, will officiate. Immediately following the services, all are invited to attend a luncheon and further celebration of Eileen’s life at the Boonville Elks, 13054 State Route 12, Boonville, NY 13309. Food donations may be dropped off at the Elks on Saturday beginning at 11am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the B. Elizabeth Strong Memorial Library, 6312 East Main Street, Turin, NY 13473 or Turin Volunteer Fire Co., North State Street, Turin, NY 13473.