Veronica “Ronnie” Ann (Krepol) Conboy, age 76, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away at home on 30 May 2024. She was born to John and Josephine (Borejko) Krepol on 23 October 1947 and raised in the Tacony neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia. After graduating from St. Hubert’s Catholic High School for Girls in 1965 she attended Drexel University and majored in Early Childhood Education (1969) and pledged to the Delta Zeta sorority. She then attended American University in Washington, DC where she earned a master’s degree in public administration in 1973. Sensing injustice during this turbulent time in the world, she proudly participated in the March on Washington in 1970. While at American University, she met Richard Conboy, and they were married on 30 December 1972. Despite the encouragement of her faculty advisors to continue their program and pursue a PhD, she made the decision to enter the workforce.
Her first volunteer job at the age of 14 was as a Red Cross “candy striper” at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia which prompted her younger sister, Brenda, to faithfully follow in her footsteps. Later, to pay for college tuition, Ronnie worked as a nanny and waitress on the Jersey shore and as a live-in nanny for the Recant-Ames family in Washington, DC (who became a second family to her). After graduation, she worked for one year as a social worker in Philadelphia before continuing with graduate school. Following her time at American University, she was hired as a budget planner for Arlington, Virginia and was later named the Director of the Evening School and Continuing Education Division at Wheeling Jesuit College. Finally, for close to 25 years, she worked as a para-professional for the Sault Area Public School system. She worked as a classroom aide at the alternative high school, found her dream job as a librarian, and then finished her career as a classroom aide in the Middle School and High School. During this time, she was recognized as School District Employee of the Year. As a volunteer, she was a dedicated member of Friends of Bayliss Library and St. Mary’s Altar Society where she held multiple leadership and board positions.
Ronnie made more than a few places “home” for her family which included Washington, DC; Arlington, Virginia; Wheeling, West Virginia; London, England; and finally, for the past 36 years, Sault. Ste. Marie, Michigan. Upon moving to Sault Ste. Marie in 1988, Ronnie embraced life in the Upper Peninsula in all its forms and seasons. She became a fan of the Lake Superior State University Lakers and Detroit Red Wings and although she never condoned violence, woe to the opposing player who checked Steve Yzerman.
Ronnie had a love of reading that was infectious and was a founding member of a book club in the Sault that has been meeting monthly (and continuously) since 1992. She enjoyed making quilts for her children, friends, and hospice care. In addition, swimming, water aerobics, and meeting friends and co-workers for lunch were a part of her weekly routine. She was a member of St. Isaac Jogues Mission in Sault Ste. Marie and before that was a longtime member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church and the Catholic Newman Center at Lake Superior State University.
First and foremost, though, Ronnie was a Mom. She made incredible sacrifices to be able to attend every single soccer game, figure skating practice, track meet, cross country race, swim meet, and whatever other sports event Matthew and Anna might be taking part in. She was an active participant in every Parent Teacher Association group whether it was in Wheeling, London, or Sault Ste. Marie. She thrived on being a part of her children’s lives and helping them develop into the people they are today. Beginning with the pandemic shutdown, every morning began with an inspirational or funny image that Ronnie would send to a family chat group. This past Friday was the first time in 1500+ days that we did not receive a message from her. Just five days before her death she was able to spend an entire week in Mississippi with Richard, Anna, Matthew, Heather, and Heather’s mother Pat Pinson. For the gift of those few days, we are eternally grateful. In the words of Pat Pinson, she was truly the glue that held this family together.
Ronnie was predeceased by her father, John, in 1993 and mother, Josephine, in 2001.
Ronnie is survived by her husband, Richard; son, Matthew (Heather Pinson); daughter, Anna; brother, Richard (Maureen); sister, Brenda (Eddie Albert); brother, John; cousins Barbara, Joan and Joe Borejko; numerous nephews and nieces, and way too many friends and loved ones to even begin counting or listing.
A Visitation will occur on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Home, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 11:30 AM at St. Isaac Jogues Mission, 1529 Marquette Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. A reception will follow at Applebee’s.
In lieu of flowers, donations to either Hospice of the E.U.P. at 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, 49783 (https://www.hospiceoftheeup.com/donate/) or Friends of Bayliss Public Library at 541 Library Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 would make the most lasting impact and be most appreciated by both her and her family.
Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
