by Dennis Augustine
“Family meant everything to her, and love was how she lived.”
—Marcie Venturini
Cecile’s beloved cousin, Ruby E. Conway, the last of her generation passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 90. She shared 41 wonderful years with her husband and best friend, the late podiatrist, Dr. Victor Conway.
Ruby was a treasured presence at family gatherings—Thanksgivings, brunches, long walks, and heartfelt conversations. Cecile especially cherishes memories of meeting Ruby in Chicago for breakfast or lunch, moments now held even closer.
Cecile and I linked in to a streaming service this morning at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home in Arlighton Hights, Illinois. It reminded us how grateful we felt to have had the chance last September to visit Ruby one last time at her daughter Marcie's home in Palentine—a blessing we will always carry.
A devoted mother to Marcie and Bari, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruby was fiercely independent, spirited, and always impeccably put together. She loved Mahjong with friends, giving back through Hadassah, traveling with Vic, and above all, her family.
Her strength, warmth, and love live on in all who knew her.
May her memory be a blessing.
