Valerie Mary Conway

Valerie Mary Finnie Conway

Born February 14,1939, and departed on August 23, 2025

Loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend, Valerie cherished her family and her faith above everything. She was known for her giving nature, sharp Irish wit, unwavering devotion to her family, classic beauty, and of course, her chocolate chip cookies. Surrounded by her devoted husband, her brother and her five daughters, she peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on August 23rd.

Born to Joseph A. Finnie and Margaret M McParland in Janesville, WI., Valerie attended high school in South Bend, Indiana and Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. She was known as "Valerie" to her siblings, "My Valerie" to her husband, "Val" to her many friends, "Mom" to her daughters, and "Mimi" to her grandchildren. Caring for others was always a part of Val's make up. As a devout Catholic, she dedicated countless hours to many charitable institutions, her home parish of St. Regis, Marian High School, St. Bede's, Manresa, Angel's Place, Rose Hill and the Ladies of Charity.

Val met the love of her life thanks to her brother Joe who drove home from Notre Dame with Phil for a holiday. Phil and Val were married for 64 years, raising five daughters (they gave up on a boy after that). When grandchildren came along, she attended as many events as she could, driving to Chicago and all over Michigan for their activities. Always their biggest cheerleader, she had a hug and a chocolate chip cookie waiting for them.

Val was an elementary school teacher, full time Mom, exceptional baker, gardener and designer. She owned her own business, "The Very Thing", for a time and worked many years at Don Thomas Sporthaus and Escapades.

Notably, Val was a giver; sharing her love, time, insights and smile with everyone she met. It was in her DNA-putting others first and doing all she could to make their day just a little bit better.

As a big Notre Dame football fan, she and Phil attended many games with friends. She loved to travel with friends and family, getting sun on Marco Island or Naples, Florida, shopping and spending time with family in Chicago or playing golf at different courses around the country.

Valerie is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Philip, their five daughters Cathy, Patti, Colleen, Mollie, Meggan, their families, and her brother Joseph. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Margaret Finnie, her sister Sharon Finnie and her brother Brian Finnie.

Funeral Mass Friday, August 29th 11AM at St. Regis Catholic Church, 3695 Lincoln, Bloomfield Hills. Visitation at church begins at 10AM. The funeral will be livestreamed. To view, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@StRegisCatholicParish/streams

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angels' Place or Ladies of Charity.