Although we never knew Elizabeth Conroy personally, knowing so many of her children, and her grandchildren, made us always feel that we did…
Having sadly passed last Sunday, June 11th, at the grand old age of 86, Elizabeth Conroy’s presence in this town was always a big one. And, with so many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren making up a great big chunk of Greystones, Elizabeth will always be with us…
With more than a little help from her undoubtedly favourite grandchild, Laura Dicker, we’ve put together a little history of this remarkable woman.
Elizabeth Conroy (nee Bolger) was born in Tramore, Waterford on September 29th, 1930, where she spent her childhood and met her future husband, Virgil Conroy. The young lovebirds spent the rest of their lives together.
Settling in Greystones in 1969, the couple ran a very popular Bed & Breakfast out of their Trafalgar Road home, St Philomena’s, for almost 30 years, making friends far and wide. The deepest friendships were formed in Greystones itself, of course, Elizabeth being particularly active in the community, working as sacristan at the Holy Rosary Church for 25 years.
Not that life inside St Philomena’s wasn’t busy, thanks to seven sons and one daughter, who later brought along 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Just in case Elizabeth ever thought she might feel lonely after Virgil’s sad passing in 2011.
With such an army of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, if you didn’t know Elizabeth Conroy – who passed away on Sunday, June 11th, 2017 at the Eyrefield Manor Nursing Home – there’s a very, very strong chance you know one of her many descendants. If you’re really lucky, you may even know quite a few of them.
So, Elizabeth may be gone, but her spirit lives on, with a passion, the clever girl having left us plenty of forget-me-nots all over Greystones, and beyond. Safe trip, kiddo…
Funeral notice: Elizabeth Conroy née Bolger of Greystones and late of Tramore, Co Waterford who passed away in her 87th year on 11th June 2017 peacefully in the wonderful care of Liz, Pat and the Staff of Eyrefield Manor Nursing Home, Greystones. Predeceased by her beloved husband Virgil and sons Anthony, Alan and Farrell. Remembered with love by her daughter Cariosa, sons Noel, Patrick, Martin and Gerard, sister Joan, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.
May she rest in peace.
Elizabeth will repose at Eyrefield Manor on Tuesday from 6pm with prayers at 6.30pm. Removal on Wednesday morning to the Holy Rosary Church, Greystones arriving for 10am Funeral Mass followed by interment in Redford Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Holy Rosary Church, Greystones.