Mildred "Mid" (Smith) Conaty

Mildred (Mid) Smith Conaty, 97, passed away on December 7, 2023 in Murrells Inlet, SC. Mid was born on January 4, 1926 in Southington, Connecticut to Mildred Grey Smith and Frederick Albert Smith. After graduating Lewis High School and attending Syracuse University for a year, Mid proudly volunteered to serve her country during World War II by joining the U. S. Cadet Nurse Corps, graduating in 1948 from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing as an R. N. That same year she married Robert Edward Conaty of Plantsville, CT, and had three daughters, Carol Conaty Owens (Bill), of Leesburg, VA, Cheryl Conaty Barkley (John) of Chantilly, VA and Murrells Inlet, SC, and Cynthia Conaty Lyle (Don) of Murrells Inlet, SC. After moves to New York and New Jersey, the family relocated to Fairfax County, VA in 1969, where Mid remained until moving to Murrells Inlet in February 2022. Mid had a long, successful and rewarding nursing career, retiring from Inova Fairfax Hospital in 1992. She thoroughly enjoyed her retirement, and could often be found browsing antique shops, doing cross stitch samplers, taking day trips with Fairfax County, breeding and raising her beloved poodles, taking trips to the beach or relaxing in her backyard “oasis” with a gin and tonic. But most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Mid had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke and kid around. She had a beautiful smile and prided herself in having all her own teeth. That and her full head of thick curls were the envy of her retirement community. She always had a cheery disposition and a positive attitude and endeared herself to all who met her. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, and she will remain forever in our hearts.

Mid is predeceased by her 3 brothers, Ken (Mary) Smith, George (Mary) Smith and Francis (Mary) Smith, as well as several brothers and sisters in law. In addition to her daughters and sons in law, she is survived by a sister in law Eleanor Conaty Barnard, and a brother in law James Conaty. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Nick Barkley and his children Whitney and Elliot; Danny Barkley; Kristen Owens Morgan (Mel) and their children Kennedy and Hayden; and Andrew Owens. Mid is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HART (Homeless Animal Rescue Team), P. O. Box 7261, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7261

A Prayer Service for Mildred will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 12:00 p.m. at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. A calling hour will be prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until noon. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dellavecchiasouthington.com