Marie Converse passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday February 7, 2021 at the age of 94.
She was born July 31, 1926 in Steubenville, OH and was the daughter of Thomas and Emma von Brockdorff Conlon.
She is survived by her son George and his wife Lindsay; two grandchildren Alex and Ava; great granddaughters Zachie and Gypsy; her brother Thomas and his wife Nancy as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and her devoted canine companion Missy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sister and brother-in-law Eileen and John Cinicola.
Marie graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School and earned her RN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, OH. After her marriage she moved to Wyoming and later Oakland, CA where she resided for many years before returning home to New Cumberland.
Everywhere Marie resided she was actively involved in her community. In Oakland she worked to restore the Victorian houses in the downtown area, participated in a quilt project for the Oakland Museum, and ran for City Council, narrowly losing a hard fought campaign. In 1988 she returned to New Cumberland where she lovingly restored the family homestead. Before losing her sight to macular degeneration she was active in quilting groups, instrumental in the foundation of the Hancock County Museum, and opened a store in downtown New Cumberland where local artisans could showcase and sell their works.
An avid traveler, Marie reached 5 of the 7 continents including trips to Moscow, Peru, China, and New Zealand. A favorite winter destination was the Caribbean for a two week cruise on the Amazing Grace.
Marie was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading as well as summer visits to Chautauqua programs. After her vision loss she was an avid patron of the National Library Service and listened to almost 4000 books on tape.
She was a loving mother/sister/aunt and fierce friend, along with the devoted owner of many pets. While she will be sorely missed her loved ones are comforted to know that she is likely having Happy Hour on a heavenly river deck with family and friends, and a few big dogs at her side!
The family is extremely grateful to Ruth and Mark Mays whose love and devotion as caregivers these past few years made possible her wish to spend her final days in her home.
A mass will be offered for the repose of her soul at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN. Per Marie’s wishes there will not be a visitation or funeral, however a celebration of life will be planned for later this summer.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Marie’s name be made to either the Hancock County Animal Shelter, the Hancock County Historical Museum, Valley Hospice, or the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.