Orland
Our beloved mother and friend passed away on Dec. 11 after a brief illness at age 83. Her life was exemplified by her unbounded love of her family, her church and her community. Jean was born in Angola, Ind., and moved to Maine in the early 1970s. Life in Maine suited her well as she met the love of her life and enjoyed a wonderful existence supporting her family, friends and her church. Jean worked as a bookkeeper for many years at the old Ellsworth Holiday Inn, Town Auto Sales and County Ambulance before retiring and working with her beloved husband and family at their “Katchall” store.
Her rich life revolved around her faith in God, her church, the Community of Christ on State Street in Ellsworth, practicing her belief in thankfulness and love. She was a longstanding active member of the church but is most remembered for her roles as a teacher, women’s leader, mentor, elder, pastor and evangelist. Her faith sustained her throughout her life’s challenges including three rounds of breast cancer and the loss of her husband of 38 years, Lyman Conary, in 2013.
During their retirement years Jean and Lyman traveled across the United States, visiting virtually every state. As avid readers and those who enjoyed history, they visited many of the nation’s oldest and most important historical sites. Their retirement years were filled with many joys including the welcoming of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jean is survived by her children, Sherry, Kerry and Gregg; their spouses, Mickie, Mary Ann and Daphne, respectively; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; Lyman’s brother Kent Conary, his wife, Donna, and daughter Erin along with many Conary family relations. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Iva and Clyde, and her brother Lee.
A memorial service is planned for spring with a notice to follow. It will be held at Community of Christ Church, 283 State St., Ellsworth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to “Camp Winni,” a special place Jean loved to be, C/O Community of Christ Church, P.O. Box 1594, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or the Susan G. Komen Organization at Department 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265 in Jean’s name.