Ann Theresa Catherine Conway Koske, age 89, passed away in Holyoke, Massachusetts on Monday, August 14, 2023. Ann was born in Holyoke, MA, the daughter of James H. and Odenia (Mitchell) Conway. She was a graduate of the Sacred Heart High School in Holyoke and worked for the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company in Springfield, MA in the stenographic department. She also enjoyed many years as a nurse's aide at the former Falls Nursing Home and many years as a telephone operator in Holyoke, MA. She was also employed at the Holyoke Soldier's Home as a nurse's aide for 15 years.

She was married for many years to Thomas J. Koske Jr. of South Hadley, MA. Ann is survived by her three children: Thomas J. Koske III and his wife Charmaine, Michael J. Koske, and Diane Koske; seven grandchildren: Sarah Koske, Carolyn Strycharz, and Amy Teffer; Jennifer Bousquet and Michael Koske Jr.; John and Steven Roy; seven great-grandchildren, Daryl Strycharz, Sedona Teffer; Ashley Rivet, Dylan and Lindsay Thomas; Holley Roy; Teagan Koske; her brother P. Martin Conway, and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family, and friends. She was predeceased by her ex-husband Thomas J. Koske Jr., her brothers Jimmy and Billy Conway, her sister Marie Symancyk, daughter-in-law Sharon Koske, and grand-daughter Kimberly Whitten.

Ann was a passionate, life-long admirer of opera and classical music, and would entertain her fellow assisted living residents by playing the piano during meals and gatherings. She loved to laugh and was a caring grandmother, beloved by family, friends, and caretakers for her quick wit and clever sense of humor. She was sensitive and intelligent, a lover of animals, and appreciated the beauty of poetry, especially the works of Robert Frost, and was a talented poet in her own right.

She enjoyed the annual Fourth of July celebrations at her brother Billy's house on Lake Metacomet where she would share laughs with her siblings. Ann was also an avid fiber artist and could knit or crochet anyone under the table, often making blankets, hats, mittens, and scarves for family and friends as well as various charities.

Ann's caregivers referred to her as "a fighter" until the very end. Ann left behind her personal version of an Irish blessing and parting words for her family, "I love you all – I go now to meet again those lucky enough to have known me." She will be greatly missed by many.

Donations of remembrance can be made in Ann's name to the Westfield Homeless Cat Project of Westfield, MA.