Lily Ruth (Wagner) Conway

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Lily Ruth Conway, beloved wife, mother, nana, sister and friend, peacefully on March 11, surrounded by family.

Lily was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles; her father William and mother Lydia; brothers Walter (Mary), Arthur, and special brother Doug (Anna); and granddaughter Camryn.

She leaves to mourn her loving children, Charl (Joy, Kian, and Mei-Yi), George (Teresa and Niccolò), Michael (Christine); and her favourite daughter Cara (Jacques, Taylor, Anton, and Bennett); brothers Tony and George; and buddy-old-pals Fuzzy-Lola, Olive, and Spencer.

Lily was born and grew up in Minitonas, Manitoba, on November 3, 1934. In her youth, Lily and her girlfriend yearned for the big city, and moved to Winnipeg; but soon realizing Winnipeg wasn’t big enough, moved on to Los Angeles. It was in L.A. that she opened the door to a dashing travelling encyclopedia salesman from Brooklyn, Charles, who became the love of her life. They chased each other across the continent from L.A. to New York and back, before marrying in Minitonas in 1965. They moved to Winnipeg in 1968 to raise their family. Lily volunteered at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in the 1970s while raising their four kids, and in the 1980s worked her way up the ranks to become Supervisor at the Provincial Department of Finance and Taxation.

Lily was active in the community, especially at St. George’s Anglican Church. Lily’s life centred on her family and home. She loved long family road trips, spending time over the summer and holidays in Minitonas, and at the family cottage at Wellman Lake. She enjoyed sitting over a drink, especially with brother Doug, and for occasionally drinking tee-many-martoonies. She will be remembered most of all for attentiveness to her kids, grand-kids, and special nieces and nephews, including Cindy, Glen, Brenda, Gale and Trevor. She is remembered by her grandkids for her spaghetti dinners, Saturday sleepovers, and walks to the gelato place on Corydon.

Lily’s family would like to thank all of the relatives and friends who spent time with Lily over the last couple of years, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, and who offered so much love, care and support.

Cremation has taken place at Lily's request. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held on Wednesday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at http://stgeorges.mb.ca/live.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Humane Society.

Nana, Mom, we love you and miss you. Your strength and guidance will always be remembered and cherished. Please keep watching over us, but it’s ok, we’re being careful. Fide et amore. SBD.