Ann Gunderson Gunderson Conroy

Ann Gunderson Conroy died December 24, 2016. She was born May 1, 1932 in East Orange, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Colonel Frank Gunderson and Helen McDermott Gunderson and her husband of 55 years, David Conroy. She is survived by her children Kathryn Conroy, Michael Conroy (Wensel), Elizabeth Morris (Jack), Mary Daire Delouche (Marcus), Peter Conroy and Patrick Conroy and grandchildren, Ian and David Conroy, Will and Clay Morris, Conroy (Samantha), Jacques and Lainey Delouche, and five nephews and a niece. Prior to and during World War II, Ann lived in Washington, D.C and attended the Potomac School and was a gifted equestrian. A graduate of East Orange High School in New Jersey, Ann then graduated from Duke University where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Ann then returned to Washington, where she met and married Lieutenant David Conroy. In New Orleans, Ann embarked on a long commitment to volunteerism. She served as chairman of the New Orleans Symphony Book Fair twice and as co-chairman of the WYES television twice and head of processing for years. Ann served in leadership roles for the Papal Visit and for the King Tut Exhibit. Ann was also devoted to the Friends of City Park and the New Orleans Botanical Garden and in her later years, enjoyed working in the garden there. She treasured her trips across the then one bridge Causeway to waterski with David, Ned and Mary Lou Conroy and later her time at her home in Gulf Shores. She rarely missed her Wednesday bridge game. She sewed the dresses for her three daughters until her youngest finished her debutante season when the sewing machine was put away. Ann was a maid in the Mystic Club, rode in the Iris parade and was a member of the Orleans Club and the New Orleans Country Club. Funeral services will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, Thursday December 29th at 10:00 am with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be private, followed by a reception at the Pavilion of 2 sisters at the Botanical Garden in City Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park would be welcomed.