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Patricia CONLEY Obituary
CONLEY
Patricia (Patty) R. Conley, 53, died Tuesday, July 16, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Patty was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 1, 1961. She attended Shaker Heights, High School and graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BFA in Journalism and a Senior Honors History Degree from St. Andrews University in Fife, Scotland. Following college, Patty returned to Cleveland and began her career with Standard Oil, now British Petroleum, where she served as member of the senior management team reporting to the President of the Chemical and Industrial Products Division. Her next career move was as a founding executive for the North Coast Harbor Economic Development Project in Cleveland, Ohio that includes the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. It was here that Patty met her husband, her best friend, and love of her life, Gary N. Conley. Before relocating to Cincinnati in 1995, Patty and Gary lived in Los Angeles, where she worked as the Southern California Business Development and Marketing Director, for the international law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop. Returning to Cincinnati, Patty joined the former Student Loan Funding, the third largest student loan company in the U.S. Her work with Student Loan Funding, led to her role as the founding Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of KnowledgeWorks, a national education foundation. Over her tenure at KnowledgeWorks, the organization achieved an annual operating budget of more than $30MM leveraged through partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, State of Ohio, and numerous other funding sources. While at KnowledgeWorks, Patty played an integral role in the organization's strategic and operating plans as well as being instrumental in the development and management of several national subsidiaries; including Strive, New Tech Network, EdWorks, Education Map of the Decade, Ohio and National College Access Networks, and various education related policy think tanks. Patty also led the KnowledgeWorks team that helped create the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF) following Hurricane Katrina. Patty is survived by her husband of 22 years, Gary N. Conley; her mother, Judith Ruggie, Hamilton, MT; Michael Ruggie, Duncan Mills, CA; Peter Ruggie (Elizabeth) of New York, NY; Susie (Bill) Thomas, Hamilton, MT; mother-in-law, Gay Conley, Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law, Carolyn Greathouse, of Williamsburg, VA; step son, William Aaron Conley, Greenville, SC.; Daughter-in-law, Gwen Conley, Greenville, SC; beloved grandsons, Henry and Charles Conley; niece Andrea (Jorde) Catasus; niece and nephew, Madeleine and Max Ruggie; and niece, Emilie Thomas. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph S. Ruggie. The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to iSPACE, the STEM Learning Place, at 300 Scarlet Oaks Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241. (ispacescience.org)
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Memories and Condolences
for Patricia CONLEY
Laurene R. Zenoniani
July 13, 2023
She was a wonderful cousin. She was kind & generous.
Mary Ellen Hatch
August 13, 2015
Dearest Gary:
Mary Ann called me to tell me about Patty's passing. I loved her so much!!
We had such a special time together at Pillsbury. Sending love to you and your family. Mary Ellen
August 11, 2015
So sorry to know that Patty has moved to the next realm where I am sure she will ascend to greatness as she has on this level. Gary, please know I am holding you in the light Sherry Kelley Marshall
Rea Waldon
August 10, 2015
Today I was saddened to learn that Patty made her transition. I am truly sorry for the family's loss and will keep you in my prayers for the days to come.
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Miriam Pickus
July 27, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear about Patty! She was my best friend for so many years when we were young. I can remember we would walk home from school, each of us reading a book as we walked. I hope you and her family are doing ok.
Nancy Pickus
July 27, 2015
Judy,
It has been so many years, but I have such wonderful memories of Patty as a young girl--what a joy it was to have her in our lives. She was always bright and funny--and I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My deepest sympathy to you, the her husband, and to the whole family.
Norm Chagnon
July 27, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories of the many years well spent together.
Roger Brook
July 27, 2015
Although I had not seen her since high school, I am sorry to hear for your family. She was a terrific person.
Lisa Lieber Emigh
July 27, 2015
My love and thoughts are with all of you. Patty was extended family for us since I first moved to Ohio, and will be missed by all of us.
Doreen S.
July 25, 2015
Dear Gary and Family,
She will be remembered fondly and will always bring smiles to our faces. I also loved that she was a fellow Cleveland "gal". Stay strong, she was!
David Ginsburg
July 23, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Patty's passing. She was a wonderful community leader and mentor and will be missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with you.
Jennifer Timberlake
July 22, 2015
Patty accepted me, appreciated me, was kind to me, championed for me, and, I believe, genuinely cared for me. That may sound a bit selfish, but it speaks to her kindness, generosity, and general good will toward me(whom she owed nothing) and my children. She impacted my life the way I'm sure she did with many. I am tearful and sorrowful for your loss, but thinking back on all of the times she had me interrupt whatever you were doing for her "emergency" (even if it were the carpet cleaners) brings a smile. I hope you manage to find some peace, Sir. I cannot imagine your pain.
Bill & Laura Zenoniani
July 21, 2015
In Memory of Patricia Conley.
Bill & Laura Zenoniani
July 21, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Douglas McMarlin
July 21, 2015
What to say? I'm sure many of us feel this same way, but with certainty Patty was and is our dear friend. She went out of her way to make others the center of attention and never took it for herself. She was the consummate friend, the kindest colleague and never lacked for creative solutions to our toughest tasks. To say she will be missed is an understatement. She leaves a vacancy that cannot be filled, but also memories that cannot be compared. She touched so many and Gary, although we cannot begin to feel your loss, please know she made a difference to so many and her influence and kindness will never be forgotten. We should all be so fortunate to have such a friend.
Jim Schwab
July 21, 2015
I always enjoyed seeing Patty. While I did not have the opportunity to work directly with her, I certainly knew her commitment to her work and our community. She will be greatly missed. Special thoughts and prayers to Gary during this difficult time. They were an amazing couple.
July 21, 2015
What a wonderful tribute.
Steve Kadish
Rob Reifsnyder
July 21, 2015
What a loss for our community! Our thoughts are with the family as you celebrate Patty's life.
Bob and Paula Fessler
July 20, 2015
We are all so thankful that our lives have been made forever better because of Patty! She is with the angels showing them how to throw the perfect party. Patty, you will always "bee" with us. Bob, Paula, Bobby, Kathlyn, John,and Rose
Sally Connelly
July 20, 2015
Dear Gary,
Patty was such a warm and loving woman. A great laugh and kind heart. Such a beautiful human being. Michael and I are saddened by her loss. We were proud to know her.
Sally and Michael Connelly
Dave and Chris KRINGS
July 20, 2015
Gary,
We are saddened by the news of your loss. Our hearts go out to you in the difficult time.
July 20, 2015
Gary and family,
Janet and I join so many others sending our condolences to you and yours....and huge admiration, memories and congratulations for Patty's life so well lived !
Dale Brown
July 20, 2015
I am stunned to hear this news, Gary. I loved having you and Patty as neighbors and know she will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dale Brown
Daniel Hoffheimer
July 20, 2015
I am just deeply saddened. My deepest sympathy to Gary and the entire family. Dan
July 20, 2015
We were shocked to hear the news. Our sincere condolences to Gary and the family. What a loss!! Al and Shirlee Ruggie
Sally Messinger
July 19, 2015
Dear Judy Ruggie, Don and I were so saddened to learn of the loss of your beautiful daughter Patty. I remember walking down Lee Road with my first-born David in his stroller. Patty was always so kind and friendly to us. She was a joy, and I always looked forward to seeing her then and at your house for Christmas cookies. It is a sad time in Cleveland, and although she did not live here anymore, her star continued to shine brightly. Deepest sympathy from Don and me!
July 19, 2015
Gary,
As we have talked, Lynne and I are so saddened by Patty's death. We may be in CA, but we are happy to do anything you need. Few people had a champion and Patty certainly was mine and she will be missed but we will stay connected to you.
Monica&Lynne
July 19, 2015
Gary, I am so very sorry about your loss. Patty was one of the best. We will all miss her deeply.
Tina Milano
Jeanne Rose
July 19, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this sad time.
Peggy Smothers
July 19, 2015
Gary, I am so sorry for your loss. Ed and I will be keeping you in our prayers.
Bill VanAntwerp
July 19, 2015
Gary,
So sorry to hear about your loss, you are in out thoughts, sending you ar love, Bill & Cathy Van
Jesse and Brenda Hensley
July 18, 2015
Gary, We are thinking of you and your family in this time of great loss.
Mary Ann Reilly
July 18, 2015
My darling Gary, I will always celebrate Patty (Pâté to me because of our love of fine cuisine). As you know we had a connection from the moment we met at the law firm. The three of us had so many great times filled with much love and laughter in your home in Manhattan Beach, L.A. events, Pasadena and the list goes on. You and Patty were the ultimate host and hostess. I'm so blessed to have had her as one of my BFFs and I shall now celebrate that I have another Angel in Heaven watching over me. Sending much love to you and the entire family.
Claudia Holton
July 17, 2015
Gary, I have so many memories of you and Patty. Years after leaving TechSolve, she reminded me how she met me first before you arrived. She was always the most gracious hostess; making great connections while working a crowd; and ever vigilant to engage people on a personal level. I'll never forget those evenings when she'd join us in the office. My thoughts are with you and the family. Rest in peace, Patty.
Traci Spencer
July 17, 2015
Gary, we are devastated by the loss of Patty's kindness and light that she brought into this world. She cared about me and Gerald and Zach more than our own family. We loved her dearly.
July 17, 2015
Gary,
Our memories of Patty are those of a caring, loving, wanting to help others kind of person. She was and is a kind soul and I will miss her. Patty=kindness and there are not many like that in this world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your son and grandchildren. Much love, Emily and Greg Rowe
Geri C.
July 17, 2015
Patty - in all our conversations you never once failed to ask me how I and my entire family were doing and if we needed anything. I have never met a more loving, caring, and giving soul.
I can only hope you knew just how very much you were loved. I will miss you every day.
July 17, 2015
Gary- I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Carol Dierdorff
Mike Steinberg
July 17, 2015
A loss is always difficult. Rejoice in the good memories of Patty.
July 17, 2015
Gary-I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Carol Dierdorff
Kara V
July 17, 2015
Patty - You touched so many lives - always thinking of others with a generous heart. We will hold you in our hearts forever.
Susan Iverson
July 17, 2015
Gary,
I am so sorry that Patty is gone too soon.
She was a lovely woman who did the best she could with her illness.
She will be missed by many.
Sue Via
July 17, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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