Andover - Sylvia Lenore (Sirica) Conroy, age 87, lifelong resident of Andover, passed away on May 29, 2022, with her devoted daughters by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. James J. Conroy, with whom she shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage, before his passing in 2007.

Born in Waterbury, CT, on July 17, 1934, she was a daughter of the late John and Sylvia (Clemente) Sirica. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where she met the love of her life. For many years she was employed at the dental office of Dr. James Conroy as a dental hygienist.

In her earlier years, Sylvia loved to travel with her husband Jim to places like Bermuda, Aruba, Italy, and Jamaica, among many others. When they weren't out experiencing the world together, Sylvia and Jim loved to continue learning and challenging their minds, well into their retirement. They audited a film course at Merrimack College. Sylvia continued attending as many courses as she could for many years following his passing.

Family was always first and foremost to Sylvia. She and Jim raised their family in Andover, and were ever a constant in their lives. There was never a summer that went by that they didn't spend weeks up at Rye Beach, surrounded by friends and family. She loved attending their field hockey, softball and volleyball games, and making sure they always knew how deep her love and support ran for them all. Most of all though, she loved when her children finally gave her the most precious job title she ever held: Nonny.

Being a grandmother and great-grandmother were among Sylvia's highest accomplishments. She was never more obviously proud than when she was talking about the strides her grandchildren had made. Whether it be in sports, academics, or life in general, Nonny was always ready to tell you just how very far each of them had come. Her home was a safe place in their childhood, offering sleepovers complete with orange sodas and an English muffin with peanut butter. Everyone knew when they went to visit Nonny, there was adventure in store. She never let a moment of boredom go by, taking them all to places like the Bancroft playground to play, and picking them up from the bus with Halloween masks in October.

Sylvia was one of the most loving, caring, and devoted Matriarchs a family could ever hope for. She was quirky, upbeat, and constantly searching for the bright side of every situation. At any given time, she could be found in her backyard trying to catch a tan, or walking around her neighborhood in Andover. She was a staple at every family gathering, and was always dressed to the nines; no party was ever complete until Nonny arrived. And Nonny was never settled at a party until she had her white wine spritzer, two ice cubes.

She was the sister of the late John Sirica.

Surviving Sylvia are her loving daughters, Kathleen Law and her husband Bucky of W. Newbury, Carolyn Conroy and her husband Tucker Hooven of Bradford, Amy Conroy, Esq. and her husband Tom Batt of Andover; her grandchildren, Gina Conroy, who was like a daughter to her, and her partner Melissa Rytting of Tampa, FL, Jaimee Law and her husband Ed Arocha of Ft. Myers, FL, Mike Law and his girlfriend Shannon Enos of Lowell, Stephanie Rosanio and her husband Joe of W. Newbury, Benjamin Hooven of Bradford, Dominic Hooven and his girlfriend Jillian DeFelice of Lynn, and Wesley Hooven of Bradford; her great-grandchildren, Summer and James Rosanio; her sister, Edythe "Ghee" Fairclough of CA; as well as many, many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins, who were extended family by name, but immediate family by stature. She will be missed by all.
At the request of the family, a Celebration of Sylvia's life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Sylvia's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brightview Senior Living for their kind and compassionate care during Sylvia's time with them.