Carol Conley

PENN YAN - Carol Conley, 89, of Penn Yan, N.Y., peacefully passed away at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home on July 18, 2025. To honor Carol's wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Instead, family and friends are invited to join a Celebration of Carol's Life, to be held on September 21, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Penn Yan Moose Lodge #2030.

Carol was born on July 7, 1936, in Rochester N.Y., to Marian and Harris Blakeslee. Carol spent her early years in Oakfield, N.Y., before moving with her mother to Penn Yan. A proud graduate of the Penn Yan Academy Class of 1954, Carol furthered her education at a business school in Rochester.

Carol worked in a world with and amongst successful people and was highly respected for her self-sufficiency, competency, and confidence. Throughout her life, Carol's dedication to service took many forms. She began her career as a payroll clerk for local trucking companies and later transitioned to Yates County Department of Social Services where she retired as Senior Account Clerk Typist. She also held multiple part-time positions at local businesses. Carol spent her final employment years as an income tax preparer.

Carol married Ross Conley on January 12, 1957, and they had four sons. Carol and Ross later divorced but remained friends afterwards.

Carol will be lovingly remembered by her family. She is survived by her sons and their families Michael (Jeanne Rider) and their children Ryan (Rachel) and their daughter Rilynn, Erin (Aiden) and their children Arlo and Everly, Sean (Ashley) and their children Layla, Cecilia, Jude and Jack, Gregg and his children Seth, and Alexis (Mike) and their unborn son due this October, Terry (Deena) and their son Joshua (Brianna) and their daughter Anabella, and Brian; her sisters Nancy Kahn, and Ruth (Toad) (George) Bouchard; her nieces Vicke Boak, Bonnie Jepsen, and Brenda Henderson; her nephews Steve and Mathew Bouchard; her beloved cat Dahlia; her life-long friend Elaine Hawkes; and a host of friends and loved ones.

Carol was predeceased by her ex-husband Ross Conley, parents Marian Carey and Harris Blakeslee, stepfather Steve Carey, and brother-in-law Roger Kahn.

Carol enjoyed all that life gave her. Her family was her sole focus, and she worried over and took care of them until the end. Her young-at-heart enthusiasm and non-judgmental approach to others allowed her to connect with people of all walks of life. She loved traveling with friends and family, eating out, spending time outside, cooking, enjoying a cocktail or two, and most of all spending time with her family.

Carol always prided herself on being independent and had a strong conviction to be respected forever. She valued loyalty and honesty. Carol's memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.

Carol's family extends heartfelt gratitude to Sissy Hartman and the dedicated staff at Penn Yan Manor whose compassionate care made a difference in Carol's life. A special thank you to Carol's PYMNH roommate Bea. The family is thankful for the continued kindness, support, and thoughtful gestures from friends, neighbors, and community members.

Weldon Funeral Home of Penn Yan is assisting the family.