PORTLAND — Frances Aceto Conley, 88, died Aug. 3, surrounded by her family.

Conley was born July 27, 1927, in Portland, the daughter of Vincenzo and Josephine (Addario) Aceto. She was one of 11 children, who grew up in Little Italy on Newbury Street. She attended Portland schools and later also worked for the Portland Public School Department.

On Nov. 1, 1947, she married John F. Conley Sr., and the couple raised four children.

Frances, also known as “Nanny,” enjoyed cooking, playing bingo and cards, watching horse races, and most of all, being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Conley loved baking Italian cookies for the holidays with her family. When friends or family came to visit, she never let them leave hungry, always cooking sauce, meatballs and Italian soups for her guests.

She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Timothy J. Conley Sr.; her grandson, Timothy J. Conley Jr.; her siblings, Jenny, Mary, Tony and Irene; and her longtime best friend, Eddy McPhail.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Rogers and her husband, Bruce, of Portland, James Conley and his wife, Ruth, of Windham, and John Conley and his wife, Peggy, of Portland; her daughter-in-law, Vickie Conley, of Scarborough; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Aug. 7 at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland, followed by a celebration of Conley’s life at Parker’s Restaurant on Washington Avenue.

The family extends thanks to the staff of Maine Medical Center for the excellent care and compassion they provided.

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