Bertha L. (Darche) Conena, 84, of Falmouth, died Friday, July 8, 2011 at Atria Woodbriar Assisted Living in Falmouth. She was the beloved wife of Michael V. Conena since 1950.
Born in Worcester on April 20, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Adamilda (Lavalee) Darche. Mrs. Conena was a Falmouth resident since 1993 and formerly resided in Medway.
Before her retirement, Mrs. Conena was a bookkeeper at her husband’s pharmacies - The Village Pharmacy in Medway and Sherborn Apothecary in Sherborn. Her first job was working as a secretary at The Worcester County Sanatorium in West Boylston. Mrs. Conena was also involved with the Booster Club at Medway High School for many years.
Her greatest joy was her family. She was a wonderful cook, homemaker and an inspiration to her six children. She loved the beach, playing cards, bowling with her friends, and taking energetic walks. Her kind personality and quick wit always touched those who knew her.
Besides her husband, she is survived by six children, Patricia Putnam and husband David of Delmar, NY, Lucy Darshe and husband Jeffrey Wessels of Manhattan Beach, CA, Theresa Brennan and husband Ken of Wrentham, Michael Conena of E. Sandwich, Thomas Conena and wife Deborah of Baton Rouge, LA and Susan Conena and husband Randy Palumbo of Wrentham.
She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and her brother Ernest Darche of Wilmington, DE
She was the mother-in-law of the late Cynthia Conena and sister of the late Jeanette Snyder and Wilfred Darche.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, July 14 from 9 – 11 a.m. at Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway followed by a funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Village St. in Medway at 11:30 a.m.
Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the VNA Hospice of Cape Cod, 434 Route 134, So. Dennis, MA 02660 or to the Atria Woodbriar Activities Dept. c/o Kathy Hazeleton, 339 Gifford St. Falmouth, MA 02540.