Loretta Conway, formerly of Gaines Township, died Friday, Oct. 2.
Loretta was a pleasant and friendly person, the type that complete strangers would tell their life stories to or show her their recent vacation photos. Sometimes she wondered why she was their target, but it was because of her kind countenance and approachable demeanor.
One of Loretta’s great joys in life was playing clarinet in the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. She always experienced a great natural high after each concert and missed being part of the band during her final years.
Loretta loved nature, with the highlights of searching for wildflowers and listening to frogs in the spring. The multitude of backyard birds that came to her feeders was a great source of amusement, and she taught city boy John how to identify them by sight and song.
Loretta loved reading obituaries, clipping out the more amusing ones or those of veterans with distinguished service records.
Loretta spent the last year of her life at Green Acres of Wayland.
Those inclined to make a donation in Loretta’s honor are asked to consider giving to the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band or attending at least one of their concerts.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, John; parents Thomas and Eleanor Dado; and sister, Eileen Mudry. She is survived by her son, Steve (Red) Conway; daughter, Margie Conway; and granddaughter, Simona Conway
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services (Wayland Chapel), 312 N. Main St., with prayers of the Rosary beginning at 6:30. A funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 128 Cedar St., Wayland, with visitation from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to mass. Loretta will be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery in Wayland
