Florance Scott Conway

Born on August 13, 1933, and raised in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Bonnie was the daughter of William Maxwell Scott, Jr. and Florance Clark Scott. She graduated from The Baldwin School in 1951 and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1955.

It was during college that Bonnie met the love of her life, William “Bill” Barret Conway, a civil engineer, on a ski date in Stowe, Vermont. They were married in 1956, beginning a partnership that would span decades and shape a vibrant family life.

In 1961, Bonnie and Bill moved their young family to New Orleans, Louisiana, when Bill was appointed head of the office of Modjeski & Masters there. Though the city initially felt exotic and unfamiliar to two northerners, it quickly captured their hearts. Within a year, they knew New Orleans would be their lifelong home.

Bonnie devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her seven children, while also immersing herself in the life of the community. Over nearly fifty years, she built a legacy as a volunteer and leader across a wide range of nonprofit organizations. Among other roles, she served as President of the Junior League of New Orleans, Executive Director of Louisiana Children’s Museum, Development Director of the Preservation Resource Center, and President of the New Orleans Town Gardeners. Following Hurricane Katrina, she played an active role in the city’s recovery, serving on the executive committee of Citizens for One Greater New Orleans and a dedicated member of Women of the Storm—both organizations committed to revitalizing the region after its devastation.

Bonnie took any opportunity she could to showcase the impact of philanthropy in New Orleans. While head of the Louisiana Children’s Museum, she delighted in watching the children pretend to be Alec Gifford on the play news desk or fill their shopping carts with “groceries” in the mini Schwegmanns. She also enjoyed driving through the Lower Garden District and pointing out all the houses being restored as part of Operation Comeback.

In recognition of the esteem in which she was held by her community, Bonnie was honored to be chosen Queen of the Mystic Club Ball in 1987. It was a long way to come for the girl from Philadelphia.

Among the many hats Bonnie wore, the title she valued most was mother of seven. Her last child was born right as the first prepared for college and her focus and love for all of them never wavered. Bonnie was no disciplinarian, but she had high standards for her children to meet and was renowned for her unflappability amidst the occasional mayhem in the Conway house. She was never one to fight her children’s battles, yet always on their side when they faced adversity.

Bonnie treasured the summers she spent in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where she was a long-standing member and one-time President of the West Chop Club. While at the Chop, she enjoyed playing tennis and sitting on the pier with her friends as well as spending time with her grandchildren and many relatives. Bonnie was an avid gardener and was particularly proud of the second place ribbon she earned one year for her dahlias in the county fair.

Bonnie is survived by her seven children (and spouses): William B. Conway, Jr.(Diana), Robert S. Conway (Lisa), Peter J. Conway (Sandra), Edward B. Conway (Erin), Elizabeth C. Crawford (Keith), Laura C. Williams (Claude), and Eleanor C. Edwards (Mark); nineteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. A reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trinity Episcopal School, Trinity Episcopal Church, or the charity of your choice.

The Conway family would like to thank the nurses and staff on the third floor of St. Anna’s at Lambeth House for their incredible care.

Bonnie Conway’s life was one of deep commitment to her family, her city, and the many lives she touched through her generosity and leadership. She will be remembered with love, admiration, and gratitude.