Maggie Kay Conway

Maggie Kay Conway, age 99, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026. Born in Leesburg, FL, on August 23, 1926, to Mariah and Willard Morse, Maggie graduated as valedictorian from her local high school. She left Florida at age 17, married Reginald Demeritte and moved to Virginia eventually winding up in NYC. She was a lifetime member of St Charles AME Zion Church and converted to the LDS faith in Jan 2005.

After moving to Arizona, Maggie discovered her passion for art. Guided by her mentor and good friend Mary Gray, she displayed her creations in several City of Phoenix art exhibitions and often gifted her artwork to friends and relatives. Traveling was also among her favorite pastimes. She traveled throughout the world to places like Europe, Israel, Egypt, many Caribbean islands, Brazil, Mexico, and numerous trips across the US.

Throughout her life, Maggie made significant contributions as a community activist. She helped organize voter mobilization efforts for the hospital’s five thousand employees. In 1962, she initiated the founding of the Rockland Employees Federal Credit Union, which grew to $28 million in assets during her involvement; today it manages over $56.3 million for more than 7,700 members.

Maggie leaves a legacy of humility, generosity, warmth, and faithfulness. She devoted her time and talent to others, serving as a “second mother” to many. Her lifelong commitment to kindness, diligence and supporting both loved ones and strangers, defined her character. Her entrepreneurial pursuits included owning “Maggie’s Kitchen,” a soul food restaurant; a respected 33-year tenure at Rockland State Hospital; and establishing The Conway House, a Family Care Home with twenty-five residents that continues to operate. She received many awards and certificates in recognition of her dedication.

Maggie is survived by her four children—Theodore (Robbin) Demeritte, Gerald Conway, Louis Conway, and Cassandra Conway—her sisters Olivia Morse, Jewel Tallie, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, including Adrianne (Bernard) Hill and Marsha Walker, to whom she was especially close. Preceding her in death were her parents Willard and Mariah Morse, husbands Reginald A. Demeritte and Louis B. Conway, and siblings George Willard Morse, Lois Anscombe, Izola Miller, and Marcellus Morse.

The family especially thanks her daughter, Cassandra Conway, for her loving care for her mom in her final years. Thanks to Mt Park Senior Living and Holy Cross Hospice for their compassionate support.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to God’s Secret Service Foundation. Maggie believed that often, the best act of kindness is not a grand gesture but rather a quiet act of brotherly love. The family has established Maggie K. Conway Memorial Fund. Use this link for more details and donations. https://givebutter.com/MaggieKConwayFund

There will be two Celebration of Life services:

1) Arizona: February 28, 2026, viewing at 9:30 AM with the service starting at 11 AM. Location: The LDS Church Foothills Ward, 2955 E. Frye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85048.

2) New York: March 7, 2026, viewing at 10 AM with the service starting at 11:30 AM Location: St Charles AME Zion Church, 432 Valentine Ave, Sparkill, NY 10976.