Catherine Conley

Catherine Marie Walters Conley passed from this earth on July 15^th, 2026, after a courageous battle, surrounded by her loving family. In Cathy’s high school senior yearbook, she wrote, “What lies before you and what lies behind you are tiny matters compared to what lies within you.” This epitomized Cathy’s character.

Cathy, as she was lovingly known, was raised in Pittsford, NY, and graduated from Pittsford Mendon High School, Class of 1980. There she was a talented and accomplished soccer player who earned All East County First Team Honors. Her soccer accomplishments did not end there, as she went through a rigorous tryout regimen to make the Western New York Region’s Empire State Games soccer team.

Cathy traveled far and wide, embarking on a foreign exchange program in Norway, and later while attending a six-month study abroad program at the International College of Seville in Spain. Upon her return, Cathy graduated from Ithaca College (Class of ’84) receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business.

Her career and love of travel led her to Chicago, Illinois where she began her career in the travel industry co-managing the American Medical Association’s account. It was here that she met her husband Reid and eventually moved to Delaware in 1988. There she continued her career working for Rosenbluth International, Inc. where she served as the Assistant Manager for the DuPont Company’s International Account. In 1995, Cathy shifted her career path, becoming the Office Manager for her husband’s Podiatric Medical Practice. In 1990, Cathy and Reid moved south of the canal where they started their family. It was here that she continued her career as the Administrative Assistant at Christiana Care Emergency Department in Middletown, Delaware.

Cathy was the consummate homeroom/team mother. Whether she was making baked goods, chaperoning a band trip, organizing fundraisers for A.I. du Pont high school marching band, or timing a swim meet, Cathy was always there supporting not only her children, but all children, affectionately being called Mom.

A devoted servant to her Lord, Jesus Christ, she served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, chaperoned confirmation trips, was the Sunday School Secretary at Limestone Presbyterian Church and a lead usher at Connection Community Church in Middletown. She attended many Presbyterian Women’s Retreats with her mother-in-law Janet and was proud to have experienced the Walk to Emmaus which left a life-long impression on her faith.

In 1992, Cathy and Reid became involved with Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) where alongside their children she made lunches and sold souvenirs.  As the kids grew and became Unified Partners, Cathy’s participation increased as well, using her athletic talents to coach tennis and alpine skiing. Her courageous and fearless nature led to her participation in not one but three Over the Edge fundraising events, rappelling down a 17-story, 222-foot building. On her 3^rd and final event, she was joined by her equally brave daughter Lauren. Cathy often stated, “I will gladly do Over the Edge and be content holding the towels for Reid and Robert to perform the Polar Bear Plunge.”  One of her proudest moments came in 2007 when Reid, Cathy, Robert, Lauren and Janet were awarded SODE Volunteer Family of the Year. Her pride was rooted in the fact that it was done as a family and family meant the world to her.

Cathy was a loving, caring, compassionate person who always put others first. She was always the first to help and volunteer before anyone was asked. Her gentle and kind nature along with her soft smile, infectious laugh and quick wit touched so many lives. Even in her final days, her radiance brought joy and laughter not only to her family but her medical team as well. Chaplain Diana (a dear friend of Cathy’s) from Christiana Care told the family that Cathy was the only person who could make her cry when giving a prayer.

Cathy will be dearly missed but eternally loved and never forgotten by all those whose lives she touched. She is survived by her husband of 38 years Dr. G. Reid Conley, son Robert Conley, daughter Dr. Lauren Conley (fiancé Oliver Hanes), her beloved dog Wicket, mother Ursula Miller, siblings Barbara Gadd (Eddie), Chip Walters (Terry), Jennifer Brown (Marc), brother-in-law A.J. Conley (Sandy), nieces and nephews Jamie Gadd, Sarah Walters, Sydney Walters, Jared Brown, Tyler Brown, Albie Conley, Austin Conley and her aunt and uncle Allison and Bob Brunsdon. She was predeceased by her father Eugene Walters and her parents-in-law Albert and Janet Conley.