Barbara J. Conway (Fravel)

Barbara J. Conway (Fravel), passed away peacefully at 90 years young on June 21, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.  She is predeceased by her husband, Edvard P. Conway III; son, Michael F. Conway; son-in-law Matthew P. Oster; daughter-in-law, Barbara R. Conway; brother and sister-in-law, Dale M. and Shirley Fravel and her much loved K9 companion, Sadie.  She is survived by her son, Edvard P. Conway IV; daughters Donna M. Conway and Karen A. Meyris (Eric); granddaughters Heather M. Schwalm (Rob) and Sarah K. Meyris (Dan Bagnara); her beloved great granddaughter Norah Schwalm; devoted great-nephew, Dale Fravel (Alicia) and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.  We would like to acknowledge the love and support of her long time cherished friends, Tom and Carole Ann Lee and Wendy Ransom and her family.  

Barbara was born, raised and lived in Rochester, NY all her life.  She attended #38 Elementary School, the very same school she sent her children to as well.  She went on to Charlotte High School where she enjoyed participating in the school choir.  It took just one fainting spell after the long walk to school and up several flights of stairs to choir practice on an empty stomach that led her to eat one egg every single morning for the next 75 years.

She grew up on Hampton Blvd with her mother, father, and brother.  As a teenager; her father passed away suddenly, her brother left for the Navy and her mother moved out west.  Consequently, she became an adult earlier than most.

After graduating from high school, she worked in several different positions and locations in the banking industry including Eastman Kodak and the Greece Central Federal Credit Union, where one of her daughters works to this day.  

She met Edvard Conway III in the late 1950s.  They married and together they raised their 4 children; Eddie, Donna, Karen and Michael.  They built their house on Windsor Road where she has resided for the past 65 years.

Early in their marriage, Barbara was an active member of the Lake Shore Fire District Ladies Auxiliary.  She helped with rummage sales, meals for the firefighters, egg hunts and other holiday parties.  She was in the bowling league and loved getting gussied up for various events.  They attended many conventions and enjoyed time and vacations with their fire department family.   

Barbara followed her father’s footsteps and became a licensed ham radio operator.  She found excitement in talking to people all over the world and teaching her children morse code.  

Barbara crocheted many baby blankets and afghans for others and was extremely talented with a sewing machine.  She took pride in all of the matching outfits she made for her daughters and their dolls.  She was also good with a paintbrush and was the envy of the neighborhood with how well she helped her sons paint their model cars and rockets.  

One of Barbara’s signature trademarks was her ability to get all her children home by 5:00 and washed up for family supper where grace was said, no elbows or toys were allowed on the table and no one left unless they asked to be excused.   

Later in their marriage and retirement years, Barbara and Ed relished spending summers with family and friends at their place on Conesus Lake. Boat rides, late night card games and stories around the campfire made for many years of good times, laughter and lasting memories.

Barbara also loved playing BINGO at St. Mark’s, gardening in her yard, doing jigsaw puzzles, feeding the birds, watching Nascar races and rooting for the Buffalo Bills.  

 A most favored activity was shopping; especially for birthdays and Christmas.  She took on the role of playing Santa very seriously.  She looked forward to the challenge of fulfilling everyone’s wish list, was notorious for her meticulous gift wrapping, and her heart swelled with the surprise and happiness that her efforts brought to those she loved. 

Most recently, she could not get enough of her adorable great granddaughter, Norah Rose.  Norah was the light of her life of whom she was able to create a special bond.  She is now one of the many angels with wings wrapped about Norah.

The family wants to thank the amazing hospice team and volunteers at the Sunset House who provided the utmost care and compassion in a peaceful setting.   We also want to thank the many family and friends who were there to comfort and support Barbara and her family throughout her illness.  

Barbara will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  We are so thankful that she lived such a full life while maintaining her independence, keeping a sharp mind and carrying on with a thoughtful and generous heart to the end.
Friends may call Friday (June 28th) 4-6 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, where her prayer service will be held at 6:00 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel. In her memory, all are invited to wear her favorite color red. There will be a funeral procession from the funeral home to Riverside Cemetery on Saturday (June 29th) at 10:15, with burial at 11:00 and celebration of life reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunset House, the Greece Lake Shore Fire District or the Choroideremia Research Foundation.