By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Catholic faith was paramount in Betty Conway's life.

She attended Mass daily at the church nearest to her - be it St. Xavier downtown, St. William in Price Hill or Christ the King Church in Mount Lookout.

For her tireless service to the church, she was invested as a Lady of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 1979.

Mary Elizabeth Conway died Thursday at Dupree Community in Hyde Park of Alzheimer's disease. The Mount Lookout resident was 82.

"She was a very popular and refined person," said her brother, William Conway of Price Hill.

Known for her sense of style, Ms. Conway often traveled to New York City to buy her clothing.

The oldest of five children, Ms. Conway graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy and earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1942. She then attended stenography classes, later applying what she learned as an administrator for various downtown businesses.

For about 40 years, Ms. Conway was executive secretary to the chief executive officer of Eagle-Picher Industries, located downtown.

She retired in 1986.

A longtime resident of Price Hill, she moved to Mount Lookout in her later years.

Along with her brother, William, other survivors include another brother, Dr. Thomas Conway of Terre Haute, Ind.; and a sister, Agnes VonderBrink of Hyde Park.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at George H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home, Linwood and Delta avenues, Mount Lookout.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Christ the King Church, 3223 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout.

Burial will be in St. Joseph New Cemetery, Price Hill.

Memorials can be made in the form of Masses to Christ the King Church, Mount Lookout.