Carol Lee Conway

NILES - Carol Lee Conway, 90, of Niles, Michigan, died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

She was born January 15, 1935, in St. Anthony's Hospital in Michigan City, Indiana. Her parents Wilbur Elton and Ruth (Martin) Warren took her home to Three Oaks where she enjoyed a happy childhood. She had two younger siblings, Ruth Ann (Warren) Zabel and Bruce Elton Warren. Carol graduated from Three Oaks High School in 1953. She then worked at Bendix in South Bend where her father also worked.

In 1954, Carol married Bendix co-worker Robert Lee Grayson. They had four children – Linda, Mike, Scott, and Rebecca. Carol, Robert, and Linda – who was their only child at the time – lived in Germany for two years and England for three years beginning in 1965. They returned home to Three Oaks in 1970 with the two boys, Mike and Scott, having been born into the family. They soon moved to Niles, Michigan, where both Carol and her husband worked for Niles Community Schools.

In 1984, Carol married John Robert "Bob" Conway. They celebrated their fortieth anniversary in December 2024. She worked in the Niles' special education program for several years in the late 1970's and into the 1980's where she touched many lives. Having earned her degree in childhood development, in 1986, she became the first director of the Daycare Center at Northside School in Niles. After a few years in that role, she became the librarian at Oak Manor School in Niles, where she served until her retirement in 2014. Her library was always beautifully decorated with seasonal themes, and she hosted many book fairs, helped with the Run for Reading program and directed the computer lab.

Carol was a gifted writer, musician, and lover of the arts. She and her second husband, Bob, enjoyed taking vacations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Pennsylvania, New York, New England, Canada, Washington DC, North Carolina, Virginia, and other places – visiting museums, attending concerts, and generally enjoying life.

Carol was a generous person with a beautiful soul, helping people in need without hesitation.

She will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband Bob; daughters, Linda, Rebecca; son, Scott; sister Ruth Ann Zabel; many grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

The family will observe a private remembrance at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.