Catherine Melvina Conroy-Council

Catherine Melvina Conroy-Council was born on February 29, 1936, in Chicago Illinois; to her parents Waymond & Elvera Miller. She moved to Portland, Oregon in the early 50’s and settled in where she was blessed with six beautiful children.

Catherine always had a deep love and concern for the care and welfare of children. She held true to this commitment until the Lord called her home. Her attentive love, devotion and care of her own six children, led her to extend that same love, to other children in need. She became a Foster care parent in 1986 and spent over 25 years providing loving care for youth from broken homes. Catherine inspired and supported these kids and ensured that most of them finished high school. Catherine loved & enjoyed many other things in life such as traveling, reading & learning new things. What brought Catherine the most joy was spending time with her children, and enjoying her many grandchildren. Her home was her palace as she expended much time and energy decorating, improving and whatever else she could to make it special and a place of comfort for her children and others. One of Catherine’s deepest desires was for her kids to always know that she loved them and if they ever needed a home or to talk with her, she would always be there for them . Her love and commitment to her faith was just as important. Catherine was a devout Catholic and long time parishioner of Holy Redeemer Church. She prayed the Rosary daily and loved the Blessed Mother Mary.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Waymond Miller Sr., & Elvera Miller-Jones (deceased); her two brothers Waymond Miller, & Lloyd Jones (deceased); also preceding her in death was her baby sister Janet Christmas (deceased). She leaves behind three Sisters Theresa Frank, Mardra Jay, Barbara Despenza, and two Brothers, the Honorable Judge Richard Jones and Quincy B. Jones, Jr. Catherine also leaves behind her six children, Theresa Ferguson, James Ferguson, Michael R. Bryant and Steven, Renee & Joseph Conroy; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.