Mary Jane Conway

Mary Jane Conway, 93, long-time resident of Pawleys Island, SC (and Ridgefield, CT), departed from this world in May of 2025, in Pawleys Island. She was the beloved wife of the late Jim Conway. Mary Jane grew up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and spent many years living near the Jersey shore, going to school, and helping to run the family businesses, which included a pharmacy. MJ had three brothers, but she was the only girl in the family, which helped to shape her feisty and quick-witted personality. Mary Jane had a unique way of connecting with others and touching the souls of those who got to know her. When not working in her parent’s pharmacy, she enjoyed playing basketball for her high school team. After her high school graduation, she moved to Philadelphia to attend college. During that time, a few young men in her apartment building came to her door one day and asked her and her roommates if the young ladies had a food item of some kind that the guys had run out of. A couple years later, one of those men, Jim Conway, ended up becoming Mary Jane’s future husband. After a few years of marriage, Mary Jane was blessed with two children – Tim and Mike, and they moved to Ridgefield, CT in 1968. Mary Jane was a dedicated, nurturing mother, a hard-working homemaker, a talented interior designer, and an excellent cook. When she wasn’t working at home, or tending to the family, she frequently did volunteer work at the Danbury hospital and was active in St. Mary’s Church activities. She made several close friends in Ridgefield, who she was in contact with until her passing. She really loved having breakfast and lunch with her family or friends at some of the nooks around town, such as Woolworths, Early Bird, Carvel, or places where good chocolate could be found. In 1998, Mary Jane and Jim moved to South Carolina, where the weather is more hospitable to golf and walks on the beach. While there, she lived a good retirement that included being active in the local church, the women’s club, playing in the women’s golf group, and traveling with her family. Her and Jim would spend an average day going to play golf, or the two of them would go to the gym, followed by breakfast. The staff at Eggs Up Grill all knew her name and would sometimes shout it out when she came in to eat. They even kept a cinnamon shaker, with her name on it, behind the counter. The inviting southern weather enticed more frequent visits from her kids and grandkids, which brought joy to her heart. She so dearly loved her husband, kids, and grandkids. After Jim passed on, in 2018, Mike came to stay with his mom, much of the time. There was rarely a dull moment, and she continued to enjoy the later years of her life by watching classic movies, going out on the town for shopping/lunch and playing cards or boardgames. These activities brought her happiness continued quality of life, and reassurance of knowing how much she was loved. Conversely, she truly had a gift at making others feel comfortable and loved, as well. MJ led a graceful and principled life that included an unwavering devotion to: God, family, friends, her country, and moral living. Her compassion, humor, and kindness were ever-present, and she never hesitated to provide a comforting word to someone who needed it. She leaves behind, countless joyful memories and an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Mary Jane was predeceased by her devoted and loving husband of 62 years, Jim Conway; her parents, and her brothers, Bill and John. She is survived by her two sons, Mike and Tim, her grandchildren, Jimmy, Kimmy and Sally; her brother Dave, and several nieces and nephews. The family is also grateful for some excellent caregivers that provided friendship and care for the past 16 months. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Mary Jane’s memory at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church (1633 Waverly Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585), where family and friends are welcome to join in celebrating her life and legacy. The Mass honoring Mary Jane's life will be live streamed at www.pbocchurch.com and click on Live Streaming. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Father Pat’s Kitchen, 1633 Waverly Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, in honor of Mary Jane’s generosity and compassion. Link: https://pbocchurch.com/father-pats-kitchen

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Mary Jane Conway