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In memory of

Ellen Christine Smith Conway

Durham, NH

August 14, 1956 - December 28, 2024

Aug 14, 1956 - Dec 28, 2024

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Ellen Christine Smith Conway of Durham, NH, age 68, died at Wentworth Douglass Hospital in Dover NH on December 28, 2024. She was born and adopted by Lois Emily Ketterson Smith and Maurice Daniel Smith in Ewa, Hawaii on August 14, 1956.

Chris is survived by her daughter, Bryce Ketterson Conway Jones of Arundel ME; her son, Brett Daniel Conway of Somersworth NH; her grandson Walker Jones of Arundel ME; and son Christopher Coolidge of Chelsea, AL. She is also survived by her mother, Lois Emily Ketterson Smith, 93 of Durham NH; her brother, Boyd Smith of Concord NH; and sister, Laurie Smith of Arlington MA. Chris was predeceased by her former husband William Conway of Kennebunk, ME and her father Maurice Daniel Smith of Durham and New Hampton, NH.

Chris will be remembered by all who knew her as a talented and intricate visual artist, for her love of ballet, as both dancer and teacher, her impish sense of humor and as a magical and creative gardener. Bryce will particularly remember being with her in the kitchen learning to cook, time in the woods learning about plants and flowers, and going to Cirque du Soleil and, writing~she credits Chris with her ability to write so well. Brett holds special memories of Chris pulling over on back roads to dig up a plant to rehome in her garden, the unique knowledge of animals that she shared with him and her uncanny ability to hold onto memories of powerful moments and relationships. Both of her children remember her love of music and dancing with her in the kitchen.

Chris’ longtime friends have shared their appreciation for her sense of beauty, and as a funny, kind and generous person. Chris’ family is appreciative of three of her lifelong friends, Lynn Addison, Elliott Colburn and Carol Johnson who supported and loved her in her last years and Lisa Addison who provided weekly support and friendship.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at her beloved Linn Acre (date yet to be determined) in New Hampton, NH where her ashes will be interred alongside her father.