Allison Young Conley, 64, died Thursday, May 8, 2014, at the Delaware Township farm she shared with her husband, Richard M. Conley.

Born in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1949, she was the daughter of Quentin P. and Esther Field Young of Williamstown, Mass. Allison won a full-scholarship to Smith College from Proctor & Gamble, and also held a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington.

A beloved mother, tireless advocate for at-risk children and families, and mentor to many, at the time of her death Allison was Chair of the Board for NORWESCAP, a nonprofit dedicated to serving low-income families in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.

Previously, she worked at Hunterdon Helpline and was the District Office Manager for the New Jersey Legislative office of former State Senator Marcia Karrow, who still marvels at the amount of “fan mail” letters constituents sent in recognition of the warmth and compassion Allison brought to tackling their problems.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Duncan McColl, Katy McColl Lukens, Sarah McColl, Bliss McColl, Christopher Conley; son-in-law, David Lukens; a 2-year-old granddaughter, Violet Lukens; and an 8-year-old granddaughter, Luella Conley, not to mention a large extended family, two book clubs, and countless friends.

 

Hunterdon County Democrat, May 11, 2014

“A service was held on Tuesday, May 13, at the Locktown Stone Church in Delaware Township.

Approximately 35 staff and board represented the agency at the service.

 When word spread across the organization that Allison had passed, there were three phrases came up over and over again and:

  • She was so kind and always positive
    · She inspired us
    · What a trooper

 While we saw many wonderful attributes in Allison, the one that stands out the most was the “gift of seeing the beauty in people and verbalizing it.” Many of us, see things, but don’t say anything. It came naturally to her. Allison never missed a chance to tell you what you do right, your effect on others, and how important you are.

 Years from now when they write the history of NORWESCAP, Allison will hold a special place in the section on integrity, inspiration, insightfulness and intelligence. Our lives and those that knew her were blessed to be able to cross paths with her on this journey. We are all better people for sharing time with her.”

 – From the NORWESCAP Facebook page, May 20, 2014