Obituary of Beverly M Conley

Beverly M. Larsen Conley, 85, of Henderson St., passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2015, at her home surrounded by the love of her children and their families. She was born on December 3, 1929, to Julius and Ruth Larsen. She graduated from Clinton Central School in 1948. On June 25, 1949, at age 19, she married Russell Floyd Conley at St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro, and together they built their home themselves on Henderson St. She was employed by the Utica State Hospital, until leaving work to spend many wonderful years loving and raising her eight children. Once the children were grown, she returned to work as a Nurse's Aide at the Presbyterian Home of CNY, where she gave loving care to many elderly patients until her retirement. Here is the Story of Our Best Mom: Once upon a time, there was a beautiful mom who loved all eight of her children very, very much. She cooked tasty meals and baked yummy cookies, cakes, pies and breads for them. She sewed clothes and dolls and knitted fun hats for their heads. She cleaned, did laundry and planted bright flower beds. She told stories of bunnies and raggedy men, and fine tales of magic so they could truly believe that Santa's elves and his white reindeer were out under the eaves. She taught them life lessons to share and to care, and "to thine own self be true". Every night, she tucked each child in with wishes for "sweet dreams and a happy face in the morning". She hoped that they would all grow up to go to college – which they all did! She could heal most hurts, as only moms can. She could place her hand on the top of a troubled head and say, "It's going to be ok", and it was. The scent of her favorite perfume, Tabu, lingering long after she had tousled their hair and hugged away the hurt. This gift remained as her children grew. Mom was the one who patiently listened to all our worries. She could speak right to your heart, lovingly sharing her keen wisdom to those willing to listen. One just had to be smart enough to follow her advice. Mom hosted countless happy birthdays, reunions, and "just because" parties, and she made each holiday special, always remembering to leave room for the inevitable extra kid at the table….of which there were many. She had an unwavering faith in God, lightly tested each Sunday by getting the entire family (yes, all eight) to church in time to sit together which took up an entire pew at St. Anne's church. It seems appropriate that she leaves us on All Saints Day. She loved our Dad deeply in a manner rarely seen today, a wonderful gift to both Dad and to us. In retirement, they traveled across the country in their motor home and especially enjoyed their seasonal trip to Maine each fall. Perhaps now, the best is yet to be, as our beautiful Mom meets up with her sweetheart of 60 years, our Dad and her "Honey". A happily ever after that can be seen through our many tears. Mom recently said, "I love all of my children and they all love me … what else could I ask for?" Mom, we have always been so proud and so very thankful that you were chosen to be our Mom. Happy travels and remember to be awful good as that Raggedy, Raggedy, Raggedy Man… We love you Mom and Mamma….all shall be well. Sweet dreams and happy face in the morning. Lovingly referred to as Mom by her children and Mamma by her grandchildren, Beverly is survived by four sons and four daughters and their spouses, Kevin R. Conley of Clinton, Colleen Conley of Cape Cod, MA., Corey R. J. and Tammy Conley of Clinton, Kim R. and Mary Conley of Utica , Kelley and Hal Renninger of Remsen, Kristen and Michael Lyons of NY Mills, Keith R. and Debra Conley of Floyd, and Kerry Conley of NY Mills; 12 grandchildren: Carissa, Cheryl, Cooper, Kiera, Kayla, Iain, Devin, Mckenzie, Cameron, Kiley, Aaron and Garrett, and three great-grandchildren, Ehlanna, Hunter and Quinn. She also leaves behind many special friends and family, including Suzanne Larsen, Doreen Clarke, Ann Moriarity, Jennie DeFiore, Jan and Janice Pezdek, Sharen Barboza, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell, her parents, her sister Elinor, her brothers George (Bud) and Gordon, and a grandson Duane. All are invited to call Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 4-7pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., 35 College St., Clinton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30amThursday at St. Mary's Church in Clinton. Her burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family would like to thank all the folks at Hospice for the support provided during Mom's illness. Please consider donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, Boys Town, The Covenant House, or Hospice.