Harriette Conley

Mankato Mortuary
388-2202

Harriette Conley, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Oaklawn Healthcare Center.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2011 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday at Mankato Mortuary with a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue from 10:30 until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to the School Sisters of Notre Dame, ISJ Mayo Hospice or the donor's choice. You may send online condolences to the family at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Harriette was born August 21, 1922 to Harry Higbee and Marie (Weinberger) Hathaway in Fargo, ND. In Fargo, she attended St Anthony grade school. Her family moved to Quincy, IL in 1927 where she attended Notre Dame Academy and St. Boniface HS. She fondly recalled being a member of the Juniorettes as they sang on the radio and performed for many events around Quincy. In 1939, her family moved to Mankato when she was a senior in high school. She attended Loyola HS and was voted Homecoming Queen. Even through all of the family moves due to her father's job changes, the one thing that remained constant was their summer trips to Lake Melissa in the Detroit Lakes area. Summer vacations to the cabin carried on well into her adult years with the family. These trips brought many joyous times and memories.

After graduation from high school she continued her educational path by attending both St. Catherine's College and Mankato Teachers College. She graduated from the Mankato Teacher's College with a BS degree in primary education. She was recognized in Who's Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Following her education she took to the sky's where she spent two years as a Flight Attendant for Northwest Airlines.

On September 6, 1947 Harriette married Dr. Robert H. Conley. Together they had eight children. She was a devoted and loving wife until Bob passed away in 1999. Harriette was passionate about her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent countless hours following their activities and accomplishments.

Bridge playing was a love of hers to the very end. Harriette belonged to numerous bridge clubs over the years. Other activities she enjoyed and was avidly involved with included sewing club, book clubs, and the MSU and Guthrie theatres.

Harriette was a dedicated volunteer in the Mankato community. She volunteered at the ISJ Hospital gift shop, Pathstone (Mankato Lutheran Home), Meals on Wheels to name just a few. While her children were growing up she volunteered at SS Peter and Paul's, Loyola, and Good Counsel Schools. Her favorite volunteer activity was with the School Sisters of Notre Dame at Good Counsel; being a devout Catholic, it was home away from home for her and allowed her to go to daily Mass.

She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Gamma Phi, Serra Club, the Mankato Women's Club, the Hospital Auxiliary, and the Mankato Golf Club for over 50 years. She had the distinction of having her wedding reception and her 50th anniversary party at the Mankato Golf Club.

Each of Harriette's friends was treasured. She loved making new ones and nurturing the old. All were savored and special.

She is survived by her children Robert Conley (Kim) of Kansas City MO, Kathleen Conley Neils of Nashotah, WI, Thomas Conley of Minneapolis, MN, Ann Juberian of Minneapolis, MN, John Conley (Dee) of Overland Park, KS, Bill Conley (Mary) of Alpine, UT, Mary Conley (Rich Coyle) of Mankato, MN and Dan Conley (Margot) of Needham, MA. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 11 great-grand children. She was met in heaven by her husband, Robert, her parents, and her three brothers.