COLTS NECK, N.J. – Mary Conry, a resident of Colts Neck, N.J., who summered in Maine for more than 25 years, died unexpectedly Aug. 6, 2004, in Hancock. Mary was born in Tyrone, Ireland, Dec. 21, 1954, the seventh of eight children. She moved to the United States when she was one year old. Mary graduated from the College of Staten Island with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and special education. She received a master’s degree as a reading specialist from Kean College, N.J., and a 6th Year Professional Certificate in Administration and Supervision from the College of Staten Island. She taught at Our Lady Help of Christians from 1976 to 1979 and from October 1979 to June 1981. Mary taught math and reading in a specialized high school for students with learning and emotional disabilities. She was a teacher of special education at Susan Wagner High School for 18 years. She also served as transition linkage coordinator at Susan Wagner, helping students make post-secondary plans. Mary was an exceptionally devoted daughter, a wonderful and loving mother and a kind and giving sister and friend. She loved her job and students. She was an active member of the running community on Staten Island and New Jersey, who was much admired by her peers. She enjoyed running in Maine, competing in the Hancock Lobster Race and in races at Winter Harbor, Blue Hill and South West Harbor. She won numerous awards in races of various distances from two miles to marathons. Mary is survived by her much loved mother, Roe A. Conry of Staten Island, N.Y.; her two children, Alice and Frankie Porco of Colt’s Neck, N.J.; brothers, John Conry, Felix Conry and Francis Conry of Staten Island, N.Y.; three sisters, Margaret Conry and Kathleen Birdsall and husband, Charles, all of Hancock, and Frances Pietz and husband, Ted of Franklin; brother, Kevin Conry and wife, Barbara, of Hancock; six nephews, five nieces, three great-nieces and one great-nephew, all of Maine. Mary was predeceased by her greatly loved father, Francis J. Conry in 1997. The funeral mass was held Aug. 11, 2004, at Holy Child R.C. Church, New York. There will be a celebration of her life at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at her sister, Kathy Birdsall’s home in Hancock.
MARY CONRY
