Lee Ann Conners

Lee Ann Conners of Berne, NY died August 1, 2017 at St. Peter's Hospice Inn in Albany. She was born in Rochester on May 3, 1935 to Mary D. and Victor J. McKeown of Geneseo. She was "Mema" to her beloved granddaughter, Kaleigh Conners. She is also survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ian and Sandie Conners of Berne, and daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Conners Cake and Eric Cake of Morrisville, PA. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Ronald C. Conners. Lee Ann is survived by her sisters, Molly McKeown and Sally Jo DelleFave (Carl), brother-in-law Thomas Conners, sister-in-law Shirley Belt and many special nieces and nephews. After receiving her degree at Teachers College at Geneseo, Lee Ann married Ron and they moved to Berne where they raised their family. She lived in Berne for 57 years. For most of her career, Lee Ann taught kindergarten at Draper Elementary in Rotterdam, where she met her dear friend and fellow teacher Peg Kniskern. She also taught at Bradt Elementary School in Mohonasen. Lee Ann loved the four-season beauty of the Helderbergs; autumn could never arrive too early, and every year she eagerly anticipated decorating for Christmas, starting in early November. She was an avid reader and longtime supporter of the Berne Library, and her life was centered around children, including her students, friends of her own children, and neighborhood kids. Lee Ann was also fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, and loved to visit Cape Cod. Her family would like to thank the extraordinary staff of St. Peter's Hospice Inn for the loving care and comfort they provided. Those wishing to remember Lee Ann can make a contribution to the Town of Berne Library, P.O. Box 209, Berne, NY 12023 or The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd, Albany NY 12208. A service celebrating Lee Ann's life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 11AM at Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont.