Obituary of Lillian B. Conover

Lillian Harsch Bischoff Conover, 93, charismatic, spirited, family matriarch, entered into God’s loving care on Friday, August 11, 2023. Born in Philadelphia, PA, and formerly of Maplewood,Warren Township, and Barnegat, NJ. She moved to Punta Gorda, FL almost 20 years ago, living in Seminole Lakes’ community. Lillian was bright, organized and business minded, becoming successful in any and every endeavor. In the early years, she was Vice President for the family business, Bischoff Tool Co., working alongside the ‘love of her life’, Walter, for 27 years. She owned a retail business for nine years; then in 1976 she joined Burgdorff Realtors, where she was instrumental in forming and leading Burgdorff Referral Associates in 1989, something she was very proud of. Lillian married Norman Conover in 1985, and when they retired in 1994, Lillian’s dream of touring the United States and Canada FULL TIME in their 40’ motorcoach became a reality. They traveled extensively for years, enjoying camaraderie and rendezvousing with their traveling Monaco Family of friends. Lillian had a beautiful voice, singing with a Big Band in her teens; later, becoming church choir soloist and children’s choir leader and often leading sing-alongs wherever she went. Music was always an ever-present part of her life, including playing the keyboard; family gatherings, etc. Her hobbies were many, such as oil painting and playing games, like Mahjongg, Pinochle and Crazy Canasta. She loved going to the theater for musicals and watching silly comedies. She was a voracious reader, often having two eBooks going at the same time. Having an artistic ability, a highlight and ‘bucket list’ item of her life was going to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, France. This was accomplished at the age of 80, accompanied by her daughter, Cynthia, (and don’t forget Paris!) Her last four years were lived at Southport Square. Beginning in skilled nursing, then memory care, then ‘graduating’ to Harbor Terrace Assisted Living! With her indomitable spirit, she overcame MANY health issues throughout the years. So many staff members loved her and remember her determination, sense of humor and kindness. Surviving family members are: Daughter, Linda (Ray Pierce), Daughter, Cynthia (Rich Hassall), Son, George (and Vicki) Bischoff, Grandson, Warren G. Bischoff, Brother, Willy (and Sue) Mueller, cousins in the Kurz and Schwarz families. Last wishes are for cremation and burial at sea ceremony, which will take place in September in New Jersey, for the immediate family. At some point in the future, a private celebration of her life will take place, enjoying bagels/lox and hot fudge ice cream sundaes. Please say a prayer for her and bring the light into your life! She loved Psalms23,The Lord is My Shepherd, most especially as sung in a duet by Aled Jones and his son, Lucas. Some people make a difference just by being in this world. Their inner light shines bright and touches lives both near and far. A positive thinker, Lillian’s motto was ‘never give up, never, ever, give up!’ God Bless her soul and may she have eternal peace in Heaven. Amen