Florence Conway

Florence “Flo” Dorothy Conway (March 22,1924 – July 21, 2022) lived a beautiful and dignified life for 98 years. A modest and discerning woman with simple taste, she provided comfort and solace to all who knew her while expecting little in return. Together with her beloved husband Bernard J. Conway they taught their three children, Dennis (Las Vegas, NV), Michael (Honolulu, HI) and Mary Ann Conway-McManus (Littleton, CO) to pursue life independently with integrity, loyalty, and compassion. She was proud of her children’s accomplishments and achievements, and they were proud of her. She was a good mother, a rock who was always there when needed. Later in life she became her daughter’s best friend as the challenges of age took their toll, but through it all they held on to each other lovingly to the end of her journey.

Flo was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to parents Stanley and Mary (Androkavitz) Witts who immigrated from Poland. Her childhood home overlooked vast coal fields where she grew up with brothers Chester, William, Eugene and sisters Josephine, Eleanor, and Gladys through the Great Depression. She graduated from Scranton High School and furthered her studies at technical school where she learned clerical skills. Her ability to type quickly and accurately on Remington typewriters was exemplary and set her up for her first job at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. during WWII. There she met a submarine sailor by the name of Bernie, fell in love and began a marriage in 1947 that lasted 25 years until his passing in 1972. During that period, the family lived in Denver, CO, Monrovia, CA, Clayton, NY and Willoughby, OH before returning to Colorado in 1964. Littleton, CO became the family’s new home for the next 58 years. But Flo was never the kind to just remain at home after the children were grown so she embarked on a second career, first as a librarian and later as a badge carrying deputy with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office assigned to the Civil & Warrants Section. She not only loved her job, but the officers and staff became her second family for 20 years until her retirement in 1989. Her newfound free time included gardening, housekeeping, and making frequent trips to visit her siblings in Schenectady, NY and sons in Las Vegas, NV and Honolulu, HI. Nothing brought Flo more happiness than to know her children were happy and safe. Another person who brought much joy to her life was son-in-law Lawrence “Lenny” McManus (deceased 2019). She was forever grateful for his guidance, wisdom, and spirituality and how he watched over her daughter. Flo was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and maintained her relationship with God through daily prayers at home. She loved Colorado, its people, weather, and sports especially the Avalanche, Broncos, and Rockies. She was a good polka dancer and enjoyed being at the center of gatherings and parties. Flo maintained an elusive sense of humor and had a beautiful laugh. Her occasional naiveté led her to come up with hilarious lines like how she enjoyed shopping at 'Bird' Bath & Beyond that made the whole family laugh. These so-called “Floisms” became an enduring part of her brand.

Flo will be desperately missed by many others she leaves behind. Her two grandchildren, Shannon Farabaugh of Annapolis, MD and Ryan Conway of Redondo Beach, CA. Four great grandchildren, Lyndsey and Sadie Whynock of Annapolis, MD and Rowan and Quinn Conway of Redondo Beach, CA. She also leaves many nieces and nephews who will always remember her as Aunt Flossie. Finally, two other special people, daughter-in-law Marian Chun of Honolulu, HI and longtime friend of the family, Ralph Swygert of Littleton, CO.

There will be a service at a date to be determined at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton followed by a Celebration of Life gathering.

In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be sent to

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate | https://oblatesusa.org/
Alzheimer's Association | https://www.alz.org/
MaxFund Animal Adoption Center | https://www.maxfund.org/

Please direct any cards and correspondence to:
Mary McManus
7908 So. Windermere Circle
Littleton, CO 80120