Michele (Schneider) Conlan

Michele (Schneider) Conlan, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully at the age of 74 of lung cancer.

Michele was born in Illinois to Willard and Marie (nee Franke) Schneider. She graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School and attended Purdue University. She married Gordon Goodband in 1969 and moved to Massachusetts where she continued her education as the University of Massachusetts. Son Matthew Goodband was born in in 1971. 

Michele married Walter H. Wiewel Jr. in 1975. They lived in Groton where daughter Stephanie was born in 1977. Michele enjoyed a beautiful farm life with her children, especially in the warmer months when she tended to a thriving garden.

Michele served on the vestry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ayer and later worked as the parish secretary. She served on the Groton Finance Committee and was on the board of directors of the Groton Community Theatre. Michele also enjoyed performing in theater productions with her family.

Michele held multiple positions for Sentry Insurance from 1986 to 1999. During her time working at Sentry Insurance, Michele returned to school in 1986 and graduated Magna cum Laude from Franklin Pierce College with a B.S. in Business Management. 

Michele married Robert Conlan in 1991 and they retired to Naples, Florida in 1999 where Robert died of cancer in 2003. Michele then moved to Bonita Springs, Florida in 2004 where she was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. She completed the four-year Education for Ministry program through the University of the South, School of Theology in 2006. Michele was a life-long learner and an avid reader of history, mystery, and archeological books and magazines.

Michele is preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Marie Schneider. She is survived by her beloved children Matthew Goodband of Tampa, Florida and Stephanie (Wiewel) Scheipers and husband Andrew of Kennebunk, Maine and grandchildren Grant, Ava, Willard, and Lily. She is also survived by brother Bill Schneider and his wife Caren of Crystal Lake, Illinois. stepchildren David Wiewel, Diana Barron, Deborah Jacobs, Walter Wiewel III, Nancy Jandro, Michael Wiewel, James and Michael Conlan, and numerous nieces and nephews. Michele felt blessed by her family and friends and valued her relationships through A.A.

Michele will be remembered for her faith, love of family and friends, the pride she had in her children and grandchildren, her joy in her church, and her beloved cats Mandy Lane and Lulu Belle.