Mary Janetta Koemptgen Conditt

Mary Janetta Conditt went to be with her Lord peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2013, surrounded by many of her children. She was born Mary Janetta Koemptgen on May 7, 1926, to George and Mary Koemptgen in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of three, her family moved to Duluth, Minnesota. Mary had an older brother named George, and when she was six, her father died, and her mother remarried a widower named Dominic DeMillo, who had five grown children. The family moved to Hibbing, Minnesota. She enjoyed reading immensely and became proficient in playing the piano. Both of her parents sang professionally, and Mary played the organ while her mom directed the church choir. Mary graduated from Hibbing High in 1943, then went on to Hibbing Junior College, where she completed a one-year course in Business. At the age of 19, for health reasons, Mary packed her bags and took a train to Phoenix, Arizona. Mary joined the St. Mary's church choir in downtown Phoenix, and also assisted as church organist. She became involved in a young adult group at the church, and there she met Leon W. Conditt during the summer of 1947, and on April 17, 1948, they were married at St. Mary's Church. Mary was also employed for a time as organist for St. Matthew's Church. Mary and Leon purchased a home on West Luke Avenue, in the outskirts of Phoenix and there they raised their twelve children, and remained in that home until the present (Leon passed away on November 14, 2011). Mary gave piano lessons to many of her children and grandchildren. She also became the very first organist for SS Simon & Jude Catholic Church, where she served for 40 years. Mary enjoyed board games and cards with her family, as well as her love for watching baseball games and other sports. Mary and Leon Conditt served faithfully in the Catholic church for years, and contributed numerous hours of service and donations to local charities. They were married 63 years before Leon's passing. Mary leaves behind their twelve children Daniel, Mary (Dan), Kathleen (Charley), Barbara (Kelly), Kenneth (Barbie), Patrick, Theresa (Ron), Joan, Thomas (Brenda), Anne (Shaun), Joseph, and Michael (Carolyn), as well as 26 beloved grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Mary has been beloved by so many in this community. The influence of her life will continue to touch those who knew her in so many ways. Throughout her life she demonstrated great faith, courage, and joy. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 29th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 30th, at 10:00 AM at Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley, St Vincent DePaul, or Andre House.