Obituary of Mary Joan Conlon

Mary Joan Conlon 1925-2012 Died Sunday 30 September 2012, at West Falls Center, Potomac Falls VA. The daughter of William J. Grace and Margaret McNamara Grace, Joan was born and raised in Chicago. She married US Foreign Service Officer Thomas Francis Conlon, of Park Ridge, IL, now of Potomac Falls, in 1949 and together they raised eight children, five of whom survive: Terence Conlon (Virginia) of Raleigh NC, Margaret Conlon Madigan (Jim) of Oak Park IL, Celia Conlon Shepard (Dick) of McLean VA, Peter Conlon of New York City, and Claudia Conlon of Washington DC. Joan was predeceased by three sons, William,Timothy, and Thomas Jr, as well as her brother William Grace. She is survived by eight grandchildren. Joan led a full life raising a family and managing households at Foreign Service posts in Cuba, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, France, Australia, and Thailand. She loved savoring different cultures, oversaw many household moves, and made a home for her family across the globe and in the US, including Washington, NC and Fredericksburg, VA. Joan had a wry sense of humor and was a generous friend. She was an avid reader and conversationalist as well as a practical soul of deep faith. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating Joanʼs life at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 46633 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls, VA 20165, on Saturday, 6 October, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Joanʼs honor to her alma mater, Dominican University, 7900 West Division Street, River Forest, Il 60305.