NORWICH – Doris New Conley, 99, formerly of Canastota and Norwich, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse, following a very long, active life.
She remained remarkably active and engaged until the end. She was a resident of Park Terrace at Radisson, an assisted living facility located near the home of her principal family caregivers, daughter and son-in-law, Robyn and Bruce Ratliff.
Doris had lived in Norwich from 1951 to 1967.
She lived intensely through her family, and even organized a family African Safari to Cameroon in 1968 to visit her son, George, who was in the Peace Corps. She served tea to Amelia Erhardt during the dedication of the Canastota Airport, which inspired her love of flying and travel. Doris played tennis all of her life, and was an avid SU basketball fan. Her lifelong friends in Canastota and Norwich were always a great comfort.
Doris first married J. LaVerne Cass. She later married David Wright, who died in 1961; and Judge Clarence E. Conley, who died in 1982.
Surviving are: two sons, William Cass of Norwich, and George Cass of Chapel Hill, NC; a daughter and two sons-in-law, Robyn and Bruce Ratliff of Baldwinsville, and Walter “Neep” Tracy and his companion, Jeannette Thompson, of Norwich; a step-son, Darrell Conley of Canastota; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Doris was predeceased by her daughter, Carole C. Tracy, who died in 1991.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Canastota. At Doris’ request there will be no calling hours.
In her memory, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 110 Lomond Court, Suite 1, Utica, NY 13502, or the United Church of Canastota, 144 W. Center Street, Canastota, NY 13032.