Eileen Conaty

CONATY, Eileen (McNamara) Eileen (McNamara) Conaty, 85, of Stillwood Chase, Simsbury, wife of the late Henry J. Conaty, died Saturday, (September 15, 2007) at home, surrounded by her family. She died as she lived, with dignity and grace. She was born April 1, 1922 in New Haven, daughter of the late Lawrence and Lucille (DiGoia) McNamara and had lived in South Windsor, North Haven and Hamden prior to moving to Simsbury six years ago. She was a member of St. Mary's Church, Simsbury. Mrs. Conaty owned and operated her own business at the age of 22, a thriving beauty salon in Hamden. She and her husband made their home in Hamden where they raised their family. At age 44 she was widowed and completed the job of raising her family alone. She was politically active throughout her lifetime and worked on political campaigns for democrats and independents. She was proud of her brother Lawrence, who was the first TV anchorman in New Haven and worked at WNHC-TV. Mrs. Conaty loved music and gardening and held a life long compassion for those less fortunate. Her loyalty to her family and friends was unwavering. She is survived by two daughters, Helen Conaty and Jean Conaty, with whom she made her home; two sons, Jack Conaty of Chicago and Patrick Conaty and his wife Viola of Tucson, AZ. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Matthew Conaty of New York City, and Katherine and Eliza Conaty of Kenilworth, IL. She was predeceased by her brother. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 940 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. Burial will be private. Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike, Canton is assisting the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070. For online condolences or directions, please visit www. vincentfuneralhome.com.