The fourth child of Peter and Mamie Daigle, Mary Agnes Dorothea Theresa Angela Daigle Conaway, (you will have to ask a grand or great-grandchild what that little chant means) was born in Port Angeles, Wash., on Sept. 23, 1919.
She moved to Sacred Heart Parish in Seattle about a year later. The home she grew up in was across the street from the Armory, and there was a vacant lot next to their house where she helped her dad park cars for events at the Armory.
She also worked for Shucks Auto Supply and waited on Roy Rogers once, although she wasn’t aware of it until he was gone.
She also worked as a telephone operator when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
She met her husband Don Conaway at a skating rink, where they did the Charleston and jitterbug on skates, and ended the evening with onion sandwiches and beer.
Married for 50 years, she followed him to Hawaii; Rhode Island; North Carolina; the Philippines; Vallejo and Lemoore, Calif.; a second trip to the Philippines; and, finally, to Oak Harbor. Originally, she made him promise to retire in Seattle. They decided Seattle was too busy and settled here.
Her brother Tony and sisters Frances and Cecille were musically gifted. She didn’t believe she had any talent, but it took courage, creativity, loyalty, determination and talent to follow her husband halfway around the world. She made residence in Quonset huts and places with five locks on the door, no refrigerator or stove, and still made them into a warm home.
She also drove to safety through category three hurricanes and rode out typhoons and earthquakes, all with humor and laughter.
She had a strong faith in God, her family ties and her country.
She loved eagles and angels. Now she is an angel and soars with the eagles.
Her children, Donna Marie, John Peter and Patrick Joseph, grand-and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews will miss her acceptance of each as they are, and mostly her laughter. We love you.
A funeral mass for Mary was held Thursday, Oct. 13, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Oak Harbor. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com
