Gabriella Conner

Evans, GA – Gabriella (Bailo) Conner, originally of Zara , Italy, entered into eternal rest at her home in Evans, Georgia on November 16, 2025 at the age of 84. For 60 years she was the beloved wife of Leroy E. Conner Jr., and together they raised five children. A devoted military spouse and a dedicated middle school English teacher, she lived a life guided by faith and service, touching her family, her students, her friends and countless others through her compassionate acts.

Affectionately called “Leila” as a child in Italy and “Gaby” after she and her parents, the late Dora (Vatavuck) and Romano Bailo, immigrated to River Rouge, Michigan following World War II. She was their only child and the light of their lives. The three shared many challenges and triumphs, and she later welcomed them into her home for the final 15 years of their lives. She was immensely proud of her Italian heritage and her United States citizenship.

Gaby met her husband, Lee while attending Eastern Michigan University. Soon after their marriage, they departed for Germany; the first of many relocations as part of their life with the U.S. Army. After 26 years of travel and service around the world together, they settled in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where Gaby taught English at Sacred Hearts School for twenty years. Following Lee’s second semi-retirement, they relocated to Evans, Georgia in 2005 to be closer to their grandkids.

As a mother, Gaby’s support was unwavering. Her love extended across generations with thirteen members of her immediate family going on to serve in the military, collectively enduring 46 moves and 12 deployments. Through each transition, “mom” was there to help clean, unpack boxes, care for the babies, or cook the first family meal. She viewed every move as a great adventure, an opportunity to learn something or meet someone new, but it was in her kitchen that she always felt most at home. Potlucks, church socials and the Italian American Club were all a chance for her to share her culinary love and generosity.

A lifelong and devoted Catholic, Gaby actively participated in Parish life through Bible studies, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and as a Eucharistic Minister bringing Communion to the homebound. Whether preparing meals, sorting donations, translating English for newcomers, or opening her home to those in need, she sought out the lost, particularly those that were new to this country. In everything she did, she embodied the spirit of service.

She is survived by her loving husband Lee, whom she deeply trusted and cherished, and her five children and their spouses: Stephanie and Dr. John Angelo (Evans), Dr. Stephen and Kathleen Conner (Evans), Sandra and Dr. Craig Rennard (Anchorage, AK), Scott and Brandy Conner (Branchburg, NJ), Shanna and Brendan Cronin (San Antonio, TX), 20 grandchildren and 4 of their spouses and 4 great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the entire staff of St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Dr. J. David Harrover and the staff of Family Physicians of Evans, the Staff of Savannah River Pro-home Care and Hospice of Georgia for their care assistance and support which made it possible for Gaby to spend her final days in her home. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grovetown, GA at 11:00am on Friday, November 21, 2025 with Father Nate Swann officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com