VINALHAVEN — Muriel Lorraine Conway, 84, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Vinalhaven.

Born in Vinalhaven on July 13, 1934, she was the daughter of Lamont and Frances (Gray) Oakes. She was a member of the Class of 1952 at Vinalhaven High School and was a sea princess in the 1952 Lobster Festival in Rockland.

Muriel grew up working at Oakes Grocery Store, owned by her family and on January 29, 1957, married Clarence Walter Conway.

As the wife of a fireman, Muriel accompanied Clarence in attending most fire association events held off island and was an active member of the Knox County Fire Fighter’s Association and the Maine State Federated Firefighters. Prior to the advancements in technology where dispatch was transferred to the Knox County Regional Communications, Muriel answered the red emergency fire phone and activated the fire whistle from their home. She always welcomed off-island fire fighters and friends for a home cooked and lodging.  

Her memberships also included a life member of the Union Church, the Vinalhaven American Legion Auxiliary Post 18, and the Cracked Pots. Muriel especially enjoyed being a member of the Red Hats.

Her hobbies included knitting, doing word search puzzles, adult coloring books, and spending time on her I-pad.

During their retirement years, Muriel and Clarence enjoyed traveling and attending events throughout New England for various fire departments and fire associations. Known as a good cook, Muriel loved to dine out in restaurants with family and friends when given the opportunity.

Muriel was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and will be remembered for her forgiving heart. She was always concerned with the needs of others and quick to lend a hand to those in need.

The Conway family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Kevin Waters and the crew at Penobscot Air, Jen Desmond and the caregivers at the Islands Medical Center, and the Vinalhaven Ambulance. 

Surviving is her husband, of 62 years, Clarence W. Conway; children, Dale Conway and wife, Sally; Jean Conway and her husband, John Beckman, Lamont Conway and his wife, Christine; former son-in-law, Alan Barker, Sr.; grandchildren, Travis Conway and his friend, Holly; Tawnya Faulkner, and her husband, James; Heath Conway and his wife, Tricia; Kelsey Barker, Alan Barker II and his friend, Audrey; Kayla Hunsinger and her husband, Dylan; Brooke Conway; 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. 

She is also survived by Larry “Boongie” Oakes and his wife, Linda, who grew up in her household.

Muriel was predeceased by two brothers, Victor Oakes and Lawrence Oakes; and a sister-in-law, Dolly Oakes.

A funeral service followed by a reception will be held Friday, May 17, at 11:30 a.m., at the Union Church. Burial will be in the Carver Cemetery. 

Memorial gifts may be made in her memory to Vinalhaven Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 815, Vinalhaven, ME 04863 or to the Union Church, 25 East Main St., Vinalhaven, ME 04863. 

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. 

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.