Margaret J. Conto

“The sun laughing away the rain” is how her college yearbook captured the essence of the beautiful, happy, gentle spirit of Margaret Jane Walach Conto.

Margaret Jane Walach was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on July 7, 1937 to Margaret and Joseph Walach. Margie, as she was affectionately known, attended Erie schools, including Villa Maria Academy and Mercyhurst College, from which she graduated in 1959 with a degree in Elementary Education.

While attending Mercyhurst, Margie met Stuart Conto at a school dance. Stuart and Margie married in Erie on July 6, 1963 and lived for a short time in Philadelphia, PA. Margie worked as a teacher in Gloucester, NJ, while Stuart worked as a dental intern at Philadelphia General Hospital and completed dental school at The University of Pennsylvania. The couple then moved to Long Island, NY, where Margie continued her career as a second grade teacher.

Margie and Stuart welcomed their first child in April of 1965. Within three weeks, the young family left Long Island to settle in Washington, Connecticut. Stuart began his dental practice and Margie worked in the New Milford Schools as an elementary teacher. During the next twelve years, Margie became a full time Mom, welcoming five more children.

Margie made life wonderful for her family. She was an amazing cook and loved to gather her family together for any kind of celebration. Margie spent time volunteering and working for many organizations throughout her life including the board of the Judea Nursery School, as a substitute teacher in the local school systems and as a real estate agent in Litchfield County. Margie worked with Stuart in their dental office, as both the office accountant and for many years, as Stuart’s dental assistant.

After living in Washington for 40 years, Margie and Stuart moved to Heritage Village, where Margie fully embraced her new role as Nana. She spent time gardening, reading, traveling with Stuart, volunteering for the Condo Association and enjoying the company of friends.

In recent years, as a beloved resident of The Villa at Watermark, Margie had a wonderful team of nurses and Nayas. Kate, Mary Ann and Cristina provided Margie with constant companionship and exceptional care. The family is forever grateful for their remarkable love and compassion.

Margie was a teacher her entire life. Into her final days, she taught all who loved her how to pass on with grace, courage and love. Margie quietly passed at sunset on February 15, 2018.

Margie was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Stuart and her sister-in-law, Vesta Walach. She is survived by her brother James Walach, her sister and brother-in-law Carrie and Joseph Schultz, her children and their spouses Carolyn and John Ross, Elizabeth and John Ryan, Chris and Amy Conto, Kate Conto and Alex Campbell, Mandy Conto and Robert Betes and Anne Conto, by her grandchildren, Mason Conto, Andrew Conto, Isla Campbell, Neve Campbell, Madelyn Conto and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Margie and Stuart loved their walks in Steep Rock. Memorial contributions may be made to the Steep Rock Association in Washington, CT or the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.theaftd.org. Services will be private. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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