Jeanne Conway O'Connor

Jeanne Conway O’Connor will always be remembered by uncountable grateful friends and her large extended family for her contagious smile, enthusiasm for life, healthy humor, and passion for helping people live their best lives. Jeanne, 92, of Manhattan, NY, Westhampton Beach, NY, and Palm Beach, FL, passed away in her Manhattan home on the morning of October 19th after a series of strokes over several years.

Jeanne, beloved wife of Douglas J. O’Connor, was predeceased by her first husband, Hewitt A. Conway. Treasured mother of Louise G. Conway and Irene H. Conway Coleman of Westhampton Beach, NY, Jeanne is also survived by two grandchildren Eleanor C. Felten (Richard) of Ivoryton, CT and Hewitt D. Coleman of Lawrence, MA; siblings Michael J O’Brien, Jr. and Helen O’B. Maher, and a loving, grateful extended family.

Born in Albany, NY in 1930 to parents Gertrude (nee Shearry) and Michael J. O’Brien Sr., Jeanne attended Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart in Albany and graduated Manhattanville College (1952) with her BS degree in Economics and psychology. Later, Jeanne earned her Masters in Public Health degree from New York University (late 1970s).

Career

Jeanne’s career began in 1954 when she helped lead the family business, Interstate Plumbing, a fortune 100 company, following the sudden death of her father. In addition to ongoing volunteerism and teaching roles, she later held leadership positions on the board of the National Council of Alcoholism. Ultimately, Jeanne moved to ITT Worldwide Corporation where she earned the Harold S.Geneen Award for Creative Management while rising to executive director developing corporate Employee Assistance programs at corporate headquarters..

Volunteer and social affiliations

Always interested in community causes, Jeanne’s social memberships included The Junior League of the City of New York, The Colony Club in New York City and the University Club; the Swordfish Beach Club and the Westhampton Country Club on Long Island; the Everglades Club, the Bath and Tennis Club, and the English Speaking Union in Palm Beach.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VNS Health and Hospice Care Service.