Helen Conry

Helen Patricia Conry, age 95, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025. Born in South Haven, Michigan on August 29, 1929 to Patrick and Helen (Magdalena Bild) Conroy, Helen lived a life full of purpose, courage, and independence.

After graduating from South Haven High School, she attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and graduated with a Bachelor of Science with occupational therapy and art certifications.

She moved to Warm Springs, Georgia to continue her studies and worked as an occupational therapist. There she met Jack Conry of Kingsley, Iowa, and in April of 1954 they were married at St. Basil’s Catholic Church in South Haven, Michigan. They moved to Downey, California, where Jack worked at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and they started their family there. Several years later, they moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where Jack had accepted a job at the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center.

A trailblazer in many ways, Helen was a pioneering businesswoman and occupational therapist. Alongside her late husband, Jack Conry, she co-founded Jaeco Orthopedic, a company dedicated to improving lives through innovative orthopedic solutions, where she worked until her 80’s. Her tenacious and spunky personality made her a fearless problem solver—never one to shy away from speaking her mind or standing up for what she believed in.

Helen’s passion for exploring the world was always evident. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and to more than 30 countries, embracing new experiences with enthusiasm and curiosity. A few of her hobbies included reading, bird watching, hiking, biking, swimming, and boating on Lake Ouachita. She also loved playing golf and tennis. She found peace in the outdoors. In quieter times, she enjoyed playing cards and board games, but recently she focused on winning at competitive games of Rummikub—often with a mischievous grin.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Conry, and her son, Jeffrey Conry.

She is survived by her children, Patrick Conry (Susan), Mark Conry, Timothy Conry (Linda), and Debra Fithen (Bob); her grandchildren, Jennifer Jones (Robert), Jessica Young (Matthew), Meagan Nunez (Nick), Melissa Conry, and Madeline Fithen; and nine great grandchildren all of whom brought her great joy and pride.

Helen will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and as an inspiration to those fortunate enough to have known her. Her character and vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on all who shared in her life.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hot Springs. Visitation will be at 9 a.m., Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and funeral Mass at 10 a.m. She will be placed to rest at Crestview Memorial Park. There will be a live stream provided by St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, of Hot Springs, AR, that will be found on their facebook page.

Helen supported many organizations. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen may be made to Garvan Woodland Gardens, Arkansas Children's Hospital, St. John's Catholic Church or School, or your favorite charity.