Janet M. Conley

Janet M. Conley, a devoted servant to her Lord and to the community, passed from this earth on May 30^th, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Conley was a graduate of Lower Merion H.S. (Narbreth, Pa.) Class of 1948 and of Peirce Junior College (now Peirce College) Class of 1950. It was here that she developed her receptionist skills. An unbelievable typist and editor of many of her sons and grandchildren’s term papers, she was often sought after to be a committee, organization or groups secretary. Her shorthand ability made her quite a rare find and asset. These skills served her well during the years she worked as a receptionist for EDIS, Buck Simpers Architect and Associates, Anderson, Brown, Higley and Funk Architects and finally as a receptionist in her son, Dr. Reid Conley’s Podiatric Medicine practice, retiring at the age of 85 years old.

After her sons began school, Mrs. Conley worked in the cafeteria of Thomas McKean H.S. as a cook and within a few years became the cafeteria manager at Marbrook Elementary School. She worked initially in the Marshallton-McKean school district and then the Red Clay Consolidated School District. During her years in food service, she was the manager of several schools at one time including Absalom Jones Headstart, Brandywine Springs Jr. H.S, Marshallton Elementary and Conrad Middle School. She was very proud of the different programs she developed such as “tasting parties” where she would purchase food that the children may never experience such as shrimp and breaded clams. She did this out of her own pocket. The program she took the most pride in was the sixth-grade classes creating a lunch menu (from the then 4 basic food groups).

From there, the students would prepare, cook and serve the meals under the supervision of the school cafeteria staff. The children would even work on the registers to collect the other students’ lunch money.

Her devotion to Limestone Presbyterian Church was second to none. An active member for almost 70 years, Mrs. Conley devoted herself to every aspect of the church. From teaching Sunday School, 3^rd grade Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, and for over 25 years the confirmation class. Each year, she would take the confirmants, along with some adult chaperones, to The Pilgrimage in Washington, D.C. There the students would spend the weekend working in DC Central Kitchen preparing meals for the homeless and packing items at the Food Bank for distribution to the local community. Durning their stay, the students would meet and hear from a homeless person or someone who had been homeless to learn what their life is like and what their concerns were and are. The following week, the students would lead a church service detailing to the congregation their experiences and thoughts on their trip. Janet served on many committees over her years at Limestone, her favorite being Building and Grounds. She served as Secretary for New Castle Presbytery and gave many lectures at the yearly New Castle Presbyterian Women’s Retreat in Ocean City, Md. Mrs. Conley also served as an officer of the church as a Deacon and Elder (one of the first women to do so in the church). During the summer services, she enjoyed ushering alongside her son Reid and his son Robert thereby having three generations serving at the same time.

It was through Limestone that she became involved with Habitat for Humanity. Mrs. Conley served as a mentor to the homeowner of the first house the church built. From that experience, she became the chairperson of the selection committee and mentor to many future homeowners. For her years of service, she received the golden hammer, saw, paint brush, as well as Volunteer of the Year.

The consummate homeroom and team mother (for any sports her sons were involved in), Mrs. Conley was always making bake goods for sale, working/stocking the concession stand or selling tickets. All the time doing this alongside her husband Al. For their years of dedicated service to athletics at Thomas Mckean H.S (from 1967-1985), they received the Golden Athletic Pass and were inducted into the Wall of Fame, alongside their sons A.J and Reid, for the family’s commitment to the school.

Mrs. Conley became active with Special Olympics Delaware through her son Dr. Reid Conley. She made lunches and sold souvenirs alongside her daughter-in-law Catherine and grandchildren Robert and Lauren. She was affectionately called ‘Mom-mom” by many of the athletes her grandchildren coached. For their years of devoted service, the family was selected as the 2007 Family of the Year. Her involvement continued as she cheered on the Delaware State University program’s flag football and basketball teams that her son A.J. coaches.

An avid gardener, Mrs. Conley was a member of the Moon Flower Garden Club. She had a tremendous artistic ability to make flower arrangements and taught these creative secrets to her grandchildren at an early age, having them compete in flower arrangement competitions.

Her artistic abilities transcended gardening to baking and making her own greeting/birthday cards, a special gift if you received one. As with any endeavor Mrs. Conley was involved in, she took pride in her work, especially cake decorating. Her spray painted Teenage Mutant Ninja, Batman, Wolverine (and too many to name) cakes were always a big hit with her grandchildren and their friends. But it was her wedding cakes that were a true art form. You were very blessed to have her make your cake on such a special day because they were “Special”. She would intricately weave real flowers along with her iced flowers to create a unique cake, even going so far to put a fountain in one.

Among her various talents, she was an accomplished Scottish Folk Dancer holding teas at her house after her groups Winter Ball.

Mrs. Conley’s talents and love of people were never ending. She will be missed and loved but never forgotten by all those whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years Albert J. Conley, Jr. Mrs. Conley is survived by her two sons Albert J. Conley, III and his wife Sandra L. Conley of Wilmington De., and Dr. G. Reid Conley and his wife Catherine W. Conley of Middletown, De. Grandchildren Albert J. Conley, IV and his wife Dr. Amanda M. Conley of Middletown, De., Austin L. Conley and his wife Cassandra L. Conley of Wilmington, N.C, Robert C. Conley of Middletown De. And Dr. Lauren R. Conley and her fiancé Oliver Hanes of Wilmington, De. Great Grandchildren Albert J. Conley, V, Nolan W. Conley and Owen L. Conley of Middletown, De. And Michaela A. Conley of Wilmington, N.C.