Obituary of Carol Catherine Conway

Carol Catherine Haggerty Conway's joyful spirit ascended to heaven on April 19, 2024 after bringing wonder to our world for 93 years. Born to Nora Lehane Haggerty and Patrick Joseph Haggerty on March 4, 1931 in Rochester, New York, Carol's early years were cultivated as the youngest of five siblings and by a simple, upright piano that centered the household during The Great Depression. Carol was the one who was drawn to that keyboard where she delighted any and all who would lend an ear. Carol's childhood years were spent in harmony with her neighborhood. She attended school and church in Saint Monica's Parish in the 19th Ward amongst family and friends hailing from Bantry Bay, Ireland. Everyone walked everywhere. Carol's intellect and talent brought academic scholarships to both Nazareth Academy High School and Nazareth University where she honed her musical abilities with a sisterhood of friends. After earning a Master of Arts in Music Education, Carol's creative passions drove her life. Carol began her teaching career in the East Irondequoit Central School District. Outside her formal work, her musical interests flowed into her personal time as well. Over the years, Carol serenaded soprano in a multitude of choirs, accompanied vocal and instrumental performers across a variety of venues and was often found singing to herself as she passed her cheerful time. Her gentle voice carried more strength than she realized. Carol's favorite song to sing was Danny Boy which commemorated her twin brother lost shortly after birth. Amidst these musical commitments, Carol met her love, Donald Stephen Conway, at The Ancient Order of Hibernians. Don presented Carol with a baby grand piano when they married, and together they made their first home bringing three new lives into the world who were charmed by their mother's engaging ways. Noreen, Mary Beth and John cherished their mother's inspiring influence during their time in Rochester. Life eventually conveyed the Conway family to Jamestown, New York, where Carol continued teaching, singing and pursuing many and varied piano and organ avenues that allowed her to share her talents. The Conway family embraced a rich and full life that included kindred cousins, the Minarovich Family. Carol enriched family life with spontaneous and spirited renditions on her baby grand, often filling the air with Irish melodies that resonated warmth and joy. Carol was elegant and generous with her talent and her time. Carol taught formally for her parish-family school, Saints Peter and Paul, and later for the students of Celoron and Lakewood Elementary Schools in the Southwestern Central School District where we imagine her to have had more influence than she realized. Carol often noted how lucky she was in her career. She spoke often about how teaching music to children was a wonderful life. Jamestown was home for three decades. Carol embodied a musical community wherever she went. Retirement brought Carol and Don to Viera, Florida for two more decades of song and sunshine, followed by a brief period of time in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After losing her love, Carol returned home to Rochester to live out her days. Carol's journey to her heavenly home was peaceful as she delighted her children with song. Solas. Carol's essence lives on in the laughter of loved ones, her three children: Noreen Conway (Robert Raymond) of Washington, DC, Mary Beth Conway (Kenneth Dens) of Rochester, New York, and John Conway (Jennifer Rafferty) of Chesapeake, Virginia and her six grandchildren: Joshua, Kieran and Christopher Ryan Conway, Meghan and Ryan Dens and Tighe Raymond. Also surviving is Carol's dear sister Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Haggerty Eber and many cherished nieces, nephews and close family friends who miss her endless joy. Carol is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years: Donald Conway, her twin brother: Daniel Haggerty, her sister: Eileen Haggerty Beecher and her brothers and war heroes: John Patrick (Jack) Haggerty and Timothy James Haggerty. A Celtic Celebration of Life is planned for July 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church / Holy Apostles Parish in Jamestown, New York with a repast to follow the ceremony at The Chop House on Main. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to the Saints Peter and Paul / Holy Apostles Choir in Carol's name, 508 Cherry Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. Personal condolences may be addressed to Carol's Family at 1115 Ohstrom Park, Webster, NY 14580 where Carol's baby grand piano lives on. Until we meet again, Mom.