Michael Conwell

Michael J. Conwell, 71, of Palmyra, Virginia, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025 after a brief but intense battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was born in Red Bank, New Jersey to a saint of a mother, Evelyn, and a tough guy from Brooklyn named John. Proud of his Jersey heritage, where the tomatoes, soil, sports teams and people are the "best", he nonetheless migrated south to Virginia so he could be closer to his daughter. His work experiences were many and varied, and he brought his remarkable skills to homeowners across the area. He thrived on helping others and finding solutions to any situation. Many clients thought of him as a son, and always as a trusted friend. His subcontractors became part of his family, and the mutual respect and admiration they had for each other was tangible. Mike walked into any home or building and immediately spotted problems…and then voiced that observation (much to his wife's chagrin). One of his biggest joys in life was spending time with his three grandchildren, Mia, Kallan, and James. He delighted in their accomplishments, and celebrated the people they are becoming. Towards the end of his life, his biggest regret was not being able to see James grow into adulthood. A deeply spiritual man by nature, Mike had a profound relationship with Mother Mary. This brought him solace and much-needed strength during the ten weeks after his diagnosis. Mike had a strong connection to nature and loved being outside. He loved all animals (except the squirrels in the yard), and was entertained and uplifted by the many cats and dogs he and Kemper had during their almost 33-year marriage. The family is especially grateful for the loving kindness shown to him by the staff at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, particularly Dr. David Riley, as well as nurses Jeffrey and Emily. Survivors include his loving wife, Kemper; beloved daughter Sarah, her three beautiful children, Mia, Kallan and James, (Palmyra), and her fiancé Edward Rubin; sister Judy (Port Monmouth, NJ); brother Timmy (Spring Lake Heights, NJ), his wife Patty, their two daughters Amy Kramer (Port Orange, FL) and MaryEllen Stewart (Orlando, FL); nieces and nephews: Chris (Belford, NJ), Pat (Sao Paolo, Brazil), Stephanie Ahuja (Franklin, NC) and Janette Bunting (Freedom, NJ); sister-in-law Janet Conwell (Middletown, NJ); cousin George Conwell and his wife, Lina Ding; ex-wife, Debbie Goldie (Palmyra); Aunt Liz Mendell (Charlottesville); Roach sisters-in-law Lynn Marra (Tallahassee, FL), Jane Ervin (Springville, UT), Nancy Willey and her husband David (Jefferson, GA). Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Stephen. To honor Mike's life and the person he was, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Piedmont, or to your favorite charity. And please, remember to tell your loved ones how you feel... don't let a day go by when you think of someone and fail to reach out to them. Laugh often, love deeply, and spread kindness at every opportunity. A celebration of life will be held in early fall. Date and time TBD.