Obituary for Carole Conroy
Carole J. Conroy, 89, of Parlin passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 at her home.
Carole was born September 3, 1932, in the Bronx, New York to Walter and Mary Bergen. She attended Queens College starting at the age of 16, where she completed both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Paramount, California before settling in Parlin, where she has lived for over sixty years.
She married Martin E. Conroy in December, 1957, and they shared 38 happy years of marriage. Together, they raised three children, Mark, Marty and Bette.
Carole was a beloved elementary school teacher in Sayreville for over 20 years. She taught second grade at Emma Arleth and Eisenhower schools. She will be remembered as a caring teacher by students lucky enough to have her. A former student wrote to her, “I remember feeling safe and cared for; important and encouraged…I am forever grateful I had you as my teacher - you touched my life forever.”
In retirement, she continued to be dedicated to serving and improving her community. Carole was a regular volunteer at the Sayreville Food Bank and the Sayreville Public Library. She was also a devout Catholic and member of St. Bernadette’s R. C. Church in Parlin.
Carole was a lifelong learner who enjoyed completing crosswords and watching Jeopardy daily. Her knowledge of trivia astonished her family and friends. She also loved traveling, reading, swimming, the theater, Netflix British mysteries and keeping up with pop culture to impress her grandchildren -- even performing “raps” for family gatherings and milestones.
Most importantly, Carole was a compassionate, fun and loving mother, grandmother/great-grandmother, and friend. She was constantly surrounded by many friends and loved ones. She particularly enjoyed the company of her fellow retired Sayreville school teachers.
Carole was predeceased by her husband Martin Conroy, sisters Joyce Buono, Bette Masciarelli, and Jean Janz, and brother Donald Bergen. She is survived by her three children: Mark Conroy and wife Ellen of Middletown; Marty Conroy and wife Linda of Montgomery; and Bette Zimmer and husband Ken of Freehold; and her six grandchildren: Shana Conroy and husband Mike D’Orazio; Carl Conroy; Devan Stanton and husband Nick; Ross Conroy; Laura Zimmer and Kathleen Zimmer, as well as one great grandchild, Luke Stanton, and many devoted nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Calling hours are 3pm to 7pm Friday from the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home, 15 Cherry Lane, Parlin NJ 08859. Funeral services are Saturday 10:15am from the funeral home, 11am St. Bernadette’s R.C. Church, Parlin. Entombment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parlin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of the Library at Sayreville Library (1050 Washington Rd, Parlin, NJ 08859), your local food bank, or a charity of your choice.
Please note that the funeral home requires masks to be worn at all times, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your cooperation. Letters of condolence, complete funeral details, and directions may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com.
Livestream for Carole's Service
https://youtu.be/yXLVsoux9Fk
Carole was born September 3, 1932, in the Bronx, New York to Walter and Mary Bergen. She attended Queens College starting at the age of 16, where she completed both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Paramount, California before settling in Parlin, where she has lived for over sixty years.
She married Martin E. Conroy in December, 1957, and they shared 38 happy years of marriage. Together, they raised three children, Mark, Marty and Bette.
Carole was a beloved elementary school teacher in Sayreville for over 20 years. She taught second grade at Emma Arleth and Eisenhower schools. She will be remembered as a caring teacher by students lucky enough to have her. A former student wrote to her, “I remember feeling safe and cared for; important and encouraged…I am forever grateful I had you as my teacher - you touched my life forever.”
In retirement, she continued to be dedicated to serving and improving her community. Carole was a regular volunteer at the Sayreville Food Bank and the Sayreville Public Library. She was also a devout Catholic and member of St. Bernadette’s R. C. Church in Parlin.
Carole was a lifelong learner who enjoyed completing crosswords and watching Jeopardy daily. Her knowledge of trivia astonished her family and friends. She also loved traveling, reading, swimming, the theater, Netflix British mysteries and keeping up with pop culture to impress her grandchildren -- even performing “raps” for family gatherings and milestones.
Most importantly, Carole was a compassionate, fun and loving mother, grandmother/great-grandmother, and friend. She was constantly surrounded by many friends and loved ones. She particularly enjoyed the company of her fellow retired Sayreville school teachers.
Carole was predeceased by her husband Martin Conroy, sisters Joyce Buono, Bette Masciarelli, and Jean Janz, and brother Donald Bergen. She is survived by her three children: Mark Conroy and wife Ellen of Middletown; Marty Conroy and wife Linda of Montgomery; and Bette Zimmer and husband Ken of Freehold; and her six grandchildren: Shana Conroy and husband Mike D’Orazio; Carl Conroy; Devan Stanton and husband Nick; Ross Conroy; Laura Zimmer and Kathleen Zimmer, as well as one great grandchild, Luke Stanton, and many devoted nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Calling hours are 3pm to 7pm Friday from the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home, 15 Cherry Lane, Parlin NJ 08859. Funeral services are Saturday 10:15am from the funeral home, 11am St. Bernadette’s R.C. Church, Parlin. Entombment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parlin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of the Library at Sayreville Library (1050 Washington Rd, Parlin, NJ 08859), your local food bank, or a charity of your choice.
Please note that the funeral home requires masks to be worn at all times, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your cooperation. Letters of condolence, complete funeral details, and directions may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com.
Livestream for Carole's Service
https://youtu.be/yXLVsoux9Fk