Evelyn Marie (Arnold) Conant

Evelyn Marie (Arnold) Conant, 81, died Tuesday August 9th, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Evelyn courageously battled Stage 4 Breast Cancer since she was diagnosed in June 2007. She may have surprised her doctors, but anyone who knew Evelyn, knew what a fighter she was.

Evelyn was born October 20, 1940, in Geneva, NY. The daughter of the late Pearl (Grove) Donaldson and Lawrence “Gibb” Arnold. Also, preceding her in death were her husband of 43 years Robert T. Conant, Sr.; her brother Lawrence “Larry” Arnold and two sisters, Carol Rouse and Diane Sheldon.

She is survived by her sister Ina Jane (Finn) Donaldson of Gates, NY; her four children, Stacey (Anthony) Bello of Upper Deerfield, NJ; Rene’ (Douglas) Morrison of Honeoye Falls, NY; Robert (Eileen) Conant Jr. of Hilton, NY; William (Valerie) Conant of Port Alleghany, PA; her 6 grandchildren, Kevin (Kiery), Kyle, Tricia, Christopher, Gina (Logan) and Anthony Jr; 4 step-grandchildren, Lynn, Annette (Timothy), Chad and Brooke; her 3 great grandchildren Andrew, Killian and Lucas; step-great grandson, Wyatt; and several nieces and nephews who love her dearly. Let’s not forget her loving pets, Marley & Sam.

Evelyn wore many different hats over the years (and boy did she love her hats!). Early in her heyday she was a hash slinger at a local diner in Geneva NY. She is most remembered from her early years when she worked with her sister Jane at the Pauper’s Den on Chili Avenue as a bartender. She left then went to work at Anixter-Rotelcom where she made an impact on everyone she met and forged some lasting friendships. During her retirement she dabbled in the fire restoration business with her daughter Rene’. While working with Rene’ at ServiceMaster by ASAP she learned what a “dirty but necessary” business fire restoration really was. After her cancer diagnosis she moonlighted as a jewelry designer with her daughter Stacey. Together they created BCA jewelry, among other pieces.

Evelyn was a lover of many things. Music, sports, reading, cards, traveling and most of all making time for her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities. When she traveled she liked to take her grandson Kyle. If there is one thing you can say about her, it’s that she made time for everyone in her life. Her positive outlook and smile were infectious.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James R. Gray Funeral Home, 1530 Buffalo Road, Gates, NY 14624, where friends and family are welcome to call on Monday, August 15, 2022, from 5-7pm. A private family burial will be held Tuesday morning at Grove Place Cemetery in Rochester, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pluta Cancer Center Foundation at plutacancerfoundation.org, in memory of Evelyn. There are many ways to donate.

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