Ellen L. Conway

Ellen L. Conway (Hersekorn) passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, after a short illness. She was born on October 26, 1933 in Appleton, WI, daughter of Gus and Laura (Doerfler) Hersekorn. On June 6, 1959, she was united in marriage to James L (Jim) Conway at St. Mary Catholic Church, Appleton. On May 25, 1971, Ellen and Jim adopted their daughter Laurie into their family.

She attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Appleton High School. After high school she was employed as a bookkeeper at the 1st National Bank for 4 years. She then worked for Dr. McBain as a medical assistant for 10 years.

Ellen enjoyed family get togethers, counted cross stitch, nature, and making wood crafts with her husband. She also enjoyed traveling, listening to music, especially that of Dean Martin, Alan Jackson and Glenn Miller, watching the cable channels of Food Network, TCM, and HGTV. Most of all, Ellen enjoyed reading. You could always find her with a book in her hand, always willing to talk about the last book she was reading. She loved animals, especially dogs and had many throughout her life. Her favorite dog was her dog Kayla, whom she had many wonderful years together. Over the years she also became a cat grandma, and her best buddy was her grand cat, Sara Beth. You could always find grandma and Sara Beth rocking in the chair together.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Conway of Neenah, WI; her cousin, Sandra Peotter of Kodiak, AK; her friends, Jerry and Sandy Nowak of Crivitz, WI, Rod and Peg Heyerdahl of Appleton, WI, Brian Babbitts of Milwaukee, WI, and Briana Harter and Lyndsey Kirk of Neenah, WI; and her grand-cat, Sara Beth.

Ellen was proceeded in death by her parents, Gus and Laura Hersekorn; her husband, James; her grand-cats, Emmett, Webster, Bailey, and Titan; her beloved dog, Kayla; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Samuel Heiks and his staff, and Dr. Dan Heyerdahl for the outstanding love, care and support you showed Mom throughout the years. Thank you to ThedaCare Home Hospice for their excellent care of Mom that was second to none.

In accordance with Ellen's wishes, no services will be held. Ellen will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI.