Joyce Ann Conroy, age 73, of Marion, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon, October 11, 2010, at her home following complications from her year long battle with lung cancer.
On May 6, 1937, Joyce was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, the daughter of the late Evelyn (Hanes) and Walter Holland.
She moved to Marion when Joyce was 6 years old as she was entering the 1st grade. She would later graduate from Caledonia High School in the Class of 1954.
Shortly following high school, Joyce met the love of her life, Ronald Conroy, at the Ohio Theatre. After quickly knowing they wanted to share the rest of their lives together they were married on June 29, 1958, at the Trinity Baptist Church. Ronald always “doted” on his “great gal” and he used many secrets to make sure she had the best. One of his most effective techniques to keeping her happy was by learning these two simple words… “Yes Dear!” Over the past fifty two years, they have cherished one another having a “fantabulous” marriage. He will forever miss her.
An overwhelmingly loving mother to her three children, Joyce took pride in making sure everything was just right for each of them. She embodied what it meant to be an extraordinary homemaker.
For Joyce, her grandchildren were her world and she never missed any opportunity to be there in support of them.
A close knit family, Joyce absolutely loved to be surrounded by her family. They would get together for most any occasion they could think of, and most especially for birthdays and the holidays. Also, her family did not want to miss an opportunity to eat “Mom’s cooking”, as she was an excellent cook. Everything served at her table was good, but they especially loved her barbeque spare ribs, homemade beef and noodles, and double baked potatoes.
Joyce had a knack for shopping for clothes and for her grandchildren. She had “made a profession of shopping” and loved when her daughters would join her.
One of her favorite times of year was always Christmas time, as she cherished the yearly rituals and traditions, such as decorating the tree to “Boots Randolph”, everyone showering the tree with icicles, and shopping.
Joyce will be best remembered for her love and affection for her husband, children, grandchildren and friends.
For many years, Joyce was a member of a Mother’s Sorority, which was a group of women with whom she made crafts, and more recently, she would look forward to when her group of friends would gather for lunch. She also was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School in her younger years. More recently, she had been attending the Celebration Christian Church.
Joyce will be dearly missed by her husband, Ronald Conroy of Marion; three children: Rhonda (Randy) Manns of Kenton, and her children: Bethany, Emily, Abi and Ali Williams; Craig (Vickie) Conroy and their children: Colton and Chace Conroy; Cheryl (Jim) Claxton of Kentucky, and their children: Caleb and Aubrey Claxton; one brother, Bob Holland; and one sister, Linda Pack.
Including her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Holland.
The Conroy family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2010, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will also be held there on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. William Snyder officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 870 Michigan Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43215.
For those wishing to express your condolences to Joyce’s family, you may do so online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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