Rosemary S. Conard

Rosemary S. Conard, 98, passed from this life February 15, surrounded by her family. The redheaded tomboy grew up in Bristol, the daughter of Horace and Dorothy Staples, keeping her finger on the pulse of the Clock City as she cruised along on roller skates collecting stray cats to bring home. While completing her degree at Skidmore College she met another redhead, John Hand Conard, while both were members of a wedding party. Upstaging both VE and VJ Day celebrations, they were married in the fall of 1945 while John was serving in the Army in Oakland, California. Following some months living in the Bay Area the couple settled in West Hartford, building their dream house near Woodridge Lake. It was a good thing Rosie had been a Girl Mariner in her youth, as she married into a sailing family. Ultimately she, John and their kids were able to enjoy family sailing for many summers aboard their sloop “Rigoler”, taking them to points and adventures all along the New England coast. When not sailing, Rosie could be found swimming at Woodridge Lake in the summer or on the ski slopes in winter. Always moving, always active! Rosie transitioned from stray cats to Newfoundlands, ultimately owning five of the gentle giants. For many years she was a familiar sight walking her Newfies around Woodridge Lake. Rosie is survived by her son Taylor Huntington Conard and his wife Marcia of Greenfield Center, NY, and her daughter Kyle MacNiven Conard and her husband Richard Malley of Simsbury; grandchildren Stephen Conard, Julia Conard, John Conard-Malley and his partner Katherine Friedrich, Will Conard-Malley and his fiancé Emily Galbraith, Jim Toman and his wife Jackie, and five great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank home health aides Paola, Eva and Natalie and the hospice staff at UConn Health Center for their care. Interment will be private and a memorial service is planned at Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Bloomfield, CT on Saturday, February 26 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made In Rosie’s memory to Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church, (59 Tariffville Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002) or Newfoundland Club of New England Charitable Fund (P.O. Box 659, Belmont, NH 03220).

Rosemary S. Conard

February 15, 2022