Marion Conroy ... enjoyed sailing in Fla. Keys ... at 92

Marion Conroy died on Jan. 16 at her home in Strafford.

Marion's life story is not only about her age (92), or where she was born (NYC), where she grew up (Quincy, MA), who she married (Bill), or where they raised their family (Strafford, NH). It is not only about her seven children and their spouses; Mike and his wife Carol, Pat and Denny (who both died too young), Tim and his wife Amy, Terry and his wife Lauren, Joe and his wife Kathy and Mary. Nor about her bounty of grandchildren, including a special relationship with oldest Bridget and husband Ben, or her gaggle of great grandchildren.

Marion's story is about her happy spirit and her ability to touch people.

Marion was a dedicated mother and grandmother, spending nearly thirty years raising her seven children and another twenty playing with her grandchildren. She took the time to build a unique relationship with each of them, somehow making everyone feel as if they had her undivided attention. Whether she was spending the day making Sunday dinner for everyone or swimming with her grandchildren, Marion was the heart of the Conroy family.

As her children got older, Marion found her time to shine, joining what seemed like every club in Strafford! Marion was part of Tops, the Garden Club, the Women's Club and was a card-carrying member of the Red Hat Society, which encourages women in their quest to get the most out of life. Marion returned to college, graduating from UNH in 1986, just a year after her youngest daughter. To this day, Strafford residents are quick to share fond memories of Marion.

In retirement, Marion and Bill enjoyed spending winters on the Banshee, their sailboat, in the Florida Keys and traveling as much as possible. They saw the world until Bill's health required them to stay home. Marion cared for him until he passed in 2013.

During Marion's final years, even as her health declined, she had a lot to teach those around her. Marion reminded us to stop and smell the roses, always pointing out the water, beautiful flowers, or wildlife on her daily car rides. And near the end, the joy felt if you got a wink, or better yet, a sweet kiss on the cheek, could brighten anyone's day.

Marion wanted to live her life out at home and was able to because of the care and friendship given to her by Theresa Hodgdon, Chris Nardello, her granddaughter Bridget and her daughter Mary.