Jean Elizabeth Conlon

Jean Elizabeth Conlon, 85, a resident of West Caldwell, N.J., who demonstrated her leadership abilities in community affairs and journalism, died on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. in the Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Ave., Caldwell, N.J. Ms. Conlon was co-owner and editor of The Progress newspaper, which covers the news of Caldwell, Essex Fells, N.J., Fairfield, N.J., North Caldwell, N.J., Roseland, N.J., and West Caldwell. During her free time, she volunteered with non-profit organizations that supported the advancement of people. Ms. Conlon began her career with The Progress in 1969 as a journalist and later became editor, where she served until her retirement in 1998. During her tenure with the paper she shared a New Jersey Press Association (NJPA) "Responsible Journalism Award" with her staff for a series of articles about the Essex County Jail Annex in North Caldwell. In 1987 she became co-owner of the paper. Ms. Conlon's avid interest in reporting the news since her college days at Barnard College began her career in journalism as a reporter for the Lake Land News in Dover, N.J. She then became the editor of the Suburban Publishing Company's six weekly newspapers in Union and Essex counties. Putting her master's degree from Columbia University's New School for Social Research to work, she entered a new form of media as the assistant director of public relations for the United Way of Newark, N.J., Irvington, N.J., and West Hudson, N.J., and later as the public relations director for the Council of Social Agencies. After working in the non-profit sector, Ms. Conlon returned to the newspaper business as the bureau chief for Middlesex County with the Courier News and later began her career with The Progress. She was associated with the NJPA, where she sat on its editorial committee, and was a former member of the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as its President's Circle. In 1985 she received the New Jersey Press Association's Responsible Journalism Award and Reporting and Interpretive Writing Awards for "Concerts at Caldwell College." Three years later the Rotary Club in Caldwell honored her with their "Service Above Self" award, and in 1998 the West Essex Chamber of Commerce honored her with the Community Service Award. Ms. Conlon was the former vice chairperson of the American Red Cross Motor Service for the Oranges and Maplewood Chapter. She was a member of the board at the Link Community School in Newark and its development committee, and a member of the Advisory Council to the Global Youth Forum of the United Nations Environmental Program, where she helped prepare for the May 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil. She was co-founder of the Northeast Art Festival at Caldwell College and a member of the West Essex Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the chamber's 1992 basketball tournament. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Ms. Conlon lived in West Caldwell since the early 1970s. A very quiet and humble woman, Ms. Conlon leaves behind many cherished friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mylestone Equine Rescue, 227 Still Valley Rd., Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865, or Dominican Sisters of Caldwell College, 120 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, N.J. 07006, would be appreciated.