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ELIZABETH FRANCES CONLON

About

University of Chicago

ELIZABETH CONLON Obituary

Elizabeth Frances Conlon, devotee of English literature and American classic film, would not have ended her own story differently: from the moment of her diagnosis with cancer until the moment of her death a few months later, her sons, Matthew Nowicki and Benjamin Nowicki, and Ben's wife Erica Chaumontet, never left her unattended. She died at home on July 20, 2012 with her sons at her side. She was 65. A teacher, Elizabeth, herself, never stopped learning, obtaining a Doctorate from the University of Chicago later in life. A devoted mother, sister and friend, the critical link to an extended family, and a tireless rescuer of animals, she will be universally missed. In addition to her sons and daughter-in-law, she is survived by her sister Mary Emmerick; brothers John (Jackie) Conlon, Patrick (Kathleen) Conlon, James (Eva) Conlon; granddaughters, Robynne and Esme Nowicki; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Services were private. Donations may be made in her name to PAWS or to the Anti Cruelty Society.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Aug. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ELIZABETH CONLON

Sponsored by Her Loving Sister and Family.

36 Entries

Mary Emmerick

May 10, 2020

A 2020
Happy Mother's Day, dearest Elizabeth. You are with me always. Thanks so much for those two great sons you left too. Ron said they were your legacy. He is right. Nice PhD too. I couldn't resist that one. Sister Mary.

Mary Emmerick

April 2, 2019

Dear Liz, you are loved and missed more than you could imagine. Happy Birthday. When I want to smile I think of the April 2 with the massive snowstorm and how you finally reached your destination.

Mary Emmerick

July 19, 2018

Hi Dear Liz, Another year has passed. I know that you know how much I miss you more and more each day. Everyone else does too. Wish you could see how great Ben and Matt are. A true legacy dear little sister. Love and Kisses, M.

Mary Emmerick

April 2, 2018

Hi Dear Liz, it's cold today but that wouldn't stop us from going for a great lunch. I always hope that I can plan something as good as you do for me. I miss you more each day, and go over what we did together. I so wish you didn't have to leave so soon. I'm getting so I can't come up with my silly messages of "yesteryears", but I will repeat what your dear neighbor Anna said about you, "I'll remember you for the rest of my life." L&K as Eppie Lederer used to sign off to her cherished ones.

Mary Emmerick

July 19, 2017

Hi Dear LIz, Five years. It was like yesterday we were at the Farmer's Market together. And we were going to go to Savannah after you read Frank Yerby. You are so missed by all of us. I look at all those books you inscribed for me. Some people just give you a book. You always said something so lovely or funny, I'd smile. Oh the Fanny Butcher book, you said I was your Fanny Butcher. This spring she was inducted into a Chicago Literary Society and the ceremony was at Newberry Library where you'd shop for unique Christmas goodies. I could go on and on with loving memories so...I'll just send love from all. Your always sister Mary

Mary Emmerick

March 31, 2017

Happy April 2 Birthday, Dear Sweet Liz. Not a day passes without thoughts of you. Today I should be taking you to some great restaurant of your choice to celebrate just as you always took me. You found great new choices on a regular basis. Weather is cloudy, but that wouldn't stop us. I remember you and Ric were going to dinner in a great April 2 blizzard, no cabs, "no nothing." A cop car stopped you and learned it was your birthday and took you right to the door. Then there was the beautiful warm evening you, Eva, and I went to Mon Ami --- must have been 80 degrees, but not humid. Memories. I saw Laila (sp) and Sammy, last spring. Both doing great. Love and kisses and great birthday wishes from all of us. Mary

July 20, 2016

July 20, 2016

Hi Dear Liz,

Four long years and I still don't accept that you're gone. The phone will ring and I'll hope to hear you saying, "Hi Kid, do you want to go to the Farmers' market?" or in our bad winters, "I'm driving you to the dentist"...

You are loved and missed by all as much as ever.

Mary

Mary Emmerick

May 8, 2016

Happy Mother's Day, dear Liz,

Ron said your legacy was your two sons. He was so right. They are sweethearts! You'd be so proud of them, and I thank you for them.
Speaking of legacies and the right to be proud I look at your picture taken the day you received your PhD, Dr. Conlon. You are so happy and should be! I vow to make it to the U. of C.and read every word, one day.
You are missed more than even you could imagine.
Mary

Mary Emmerick

April 1, 2016

Happy Eternal Birthday (April 2), Dear Liz. You are with me today and always. And thanks so much for the memories you've given me. Many smiles.

Mary Emmerick

December 25, 2015

Dearest Liz,
It's Christmas night,your favorite holiday. Oh,the last minute shopping, and when there was little money we'd go and see what "the two old ladies" had. I'd laugh when you called them that. One has retired. Broken hip. I see the other still. She is much younger than me! I've declared Christmas in Connecticut is my official Christmas movie,and I watch it every year. The memories of our Christmases together are always with me. Love you, sweet girl. We all do.

Mary Emmerick

July 19, 2015

Oh Dear Liz,
Tomorrow the 20th will be three years since you've gone. You are so missed by all.
It's been a summer you'd love! Cool (actually cold), rainy, cloudy. You know I hate it!
But the farmer's market in Lincoln Park that we enjoyed so much is open. And they have peaches. I remember how you delighted in them. And you, so generous, always bought some for your neighbor Anna too.
One of my dearest memories of those last days was the one when I brought some peaches for you. Matt or Ben cut them up and put them in yogurt.. You said, "Oh this yogurt is so good!" And I watched you eat it. Your hand holding the spoon was just like a little bird's. (You know how much I love birds.) But you were the only one who was going to hold that spoon. So courageous. A wonderful example and one who is dearly loved.
Mary

April 1, 2015

Dearest Liz, Happy Birthday, April 2. Our birthday lunches, so special. You always researched new spots to surprise me, and I always was delighted with your choice. You are missed by every one more than even you could imagine. L&K, Mary

December 22, 2014

You are thought of always and so missed, dear Liz.

All your family.

July 19, 2014

Dearest Liz,
Very soon it will be two years since you went to join the angels as your dear friend said. I like to think of you as an angel yourself. Not the ones we knew growing up, but the Wim Wender's kind. Standing on ledges looking down, watching over us. We all love and miss you more than I can say.
Your always sister.

April 2, 2014

Happy Birthday, dear Liz,
I'm sure you know exactly where you'd like us to be going for lunch today, and you'd be picking me up. Maybe a movie too. And we'd laugh, and call ourselves old ladies and not mean a word of it.
You are missed more than you could ever imagine by all of us.
L & K,
M.

January 1, 2014

Hi Dear Liz,
Another calendar year has blown in the wind. We all miss you more than ever.
Mary

December 13, 2013

Hi Dear Liz,

I got out your beautiful home made little Christmas tree you gave me. You got it at one of those fairs you enjoyed so much. The happiest of holidays to you. Wish you were here with me enjoying it. We all miss you so.

November 29, 2013

Ah Dear Liz,

Happy Thanksgiving. I think of YOU and all the Thanksgivings together, you in back of the wheel, and like Kerouac wrote and read, "I think of DEEEN MOOOORRIIIARRRTTTYYYY,

November 1, 2013

Happy All Saints Day, dear Elizabeth.

September 7, 2013

Liz, should your cloud float into John Lennon's and he's carrying around Lucy's diamonds, ask him for that pair of small diamond earrings you always wanted. If he has some pearls too pass them on to dear Grandma, so she can smile her sweet smile and say, "Oh those wicked English boys!"
Love you.
Mary

July 7, 2013

Ah Dear Liz,
A multiple of words can not express how much you are missed by all of us.
Mary

January 6, 2013

To Elizabeth & Family...She was a loyal and loving friend. She's with the angels now. RIP Liz

Kathleen Flynn Greenfield

August 28, 2012

I have always considered her my best teacher and I went all the way to my PhD. I also consider my time at McAuley the best education throughout my academic career. She was such an inspiration. My life is just a little more grey today knowing such a wonderful spirit has moved on. My prayers are with you, but I am sure she is looking down with all the love and encouragement that she shared here on Earth. I was in the class of 71. Peace.

Tanya Williams

August 23, 2012

May GOD be with her Family! I'm sure the Woman that challenged, nurtured and inspired her students; did that 100 fold for her family! Thank you for sharing her with many! You are Blessed!!!

Tonya Young

August 23, 2012

I remember Elizabeth always having a warm smile and being a kind, caring and passionate teacher. My prayers and condolences go out to your family.

Walter Woods

August 21, 2012

Elizaabeth was one of my most well liked teachers. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones!

Kayo Nakano

August 21, 2012

I am sorry to hear about your mom...:( May she rest in peace.. Take care.

Mother and son. c1971

Benjamin Nowicki

August 21, 2012

I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to those who have taken the time to leave a note. It has been a great comfort to know that she touched so many lives. I consider myself profoundly lucky to have had her as my mother, and equally important to me was her friendship. Once again thank you all for your condolences, and warm thoughts. And not least of all holding her legacy of a love for learning dear.

Regina Buford

August 20, 2012

I am so sorry to hear this. She was a great English teacher at Metro. Rest in Peace Elizabeth

Wiley Owens

August 20, 2012

As I write this my eyes begin to water. Elizabeth was my division teacher at Metro H.S. from '87 to '91. She was a wonderful teacher and I appreciate her for "staying on" the goofy kid whom she believed was an intelligent student. May God rest her soul and comfort her family.

Judy Quanbeck

August 20, 2012

I'm sorry to learn that Elizabeth is gone. As a colleague at Metro I remember her speaking with that slow cadence, which contributed to her being one classy woman.

Sandra H. White

August 20, 2012

One of many great Metro teachers. R.I.P Liz.

Starr Jo C. Flores~Quijano

August 20, 2012

My greatest memories of reading great books was with Elizabeth. She taught me not only to read the book but to become part of the book. She changed the way I read forever! I am still an avid reader of history & fantasy because of her. She will be missed & I'm send all of my love to her & her family.

Michelle Sadler

August 20, 2012

She was an awesome English teacher. My high School years wouldnt be memorable if they didnt include Elizabeth as one of my greatest teachers

Blythe Olshan-Findley

August 13, 2012

I remember her well as a devoted teacher and friend. She will be missed.

Paula Baron

August 12, 2012

My sincerest condolences to Liz's family. I truly enjoyed teaching with her at Metro H.S. Her creativity and patience helped our students win in the Metro History Fair contests. She will be missed.
Paula Baron

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