Marie L. Conroy

CLARKSVILLE – Marie L. Conroy, 83, of Clarksville, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, Aug. 21, 2026, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, with her daughters by her side. Marie was born July 31, 1943, in Pittsburg, the daughter of the late Norman and Arlene (French) Roppel. Following her parents’ divorce, her mother married Almon “Josh” Young, who became an important part of Marie’s life. Marie remained close to both sides of her family throughout her life. In later years, her father, Norman, moved into Marie’s home, where he lived until his passing. Marie attended Clarksville Elementary School and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1961. She was a bright and accomplished student, inducted into the National Honor Society, and selected as salutatorian of her graduating class. As she was musically inclined, she was actively involved in the Glee Club all her high school years and played piano with and without sheet music. As a teenager, Marie loved to go to the pasture behind her home with her cousin Linda to fish, but would never put the worm on her hook or take the fish off. She and Linda often got into mischievous escapades in high school, notably their trips “North to Alaska.” The summer after high school, while waitressing at Camp Otter Lodge, Marie met Robert Conroy, a guide at the lodge. After a short courtship, they married and began their life together, eventually raising two daughters. Marie had a strong personality, a sharp mind and a wonderful eye for detail. She had definite ideas about how things should be done, and she took great pride in creating a warm, beautiful home for her family. Holidays gave her an opportunity to indulge her creativity, from carefully setting the table with her china and silverware to decorating the house and adding special touches to every Christmas package beneath the tree. She was an excellent cook and baker with a talent that was widely appreciated. Marie enjoyed trying her hand at different recipes and was especially happy when her creations were enjoyed by family, friends and her daughters’ schoolmates. When Robert started his own roofing and construction company several years into their marriage, Marie became an important part of the business, handling bookkeeping and administrative responsibilities from home. The business also brought a steady stream of people into the family’s life, and Marie enjoyed the conversations and friendships that developed along the way. Many of those who came to the house as clients became familiar faces over the years. Marie was a devoted mother, but motherhood was only one part of her life. She had a wide range of interests and creative pursuits. A talented seamstress, she made clothing for her daughters and created a keepsake Raggedy Ann doll for each of them. She also had a natural ability for drawing and painting and produced a number of wildlife and landscape paintings over the years. Several were framed and given to family members as treasured gifts. She loved games and was an especially formidable opponent at cribbage, rummy and board games. Marie had a quick mind and a competitive streak, and even in her eighties she could be counted on to keep score accurately—and to make sure everyone else did, too. An avid reader, Marie also enjoyed a good soap opera or movie, particularly when she could share it with her family. She liked gardening and took genuine satisfaction in maintaining a beautiful yard. She had high standards for herself and her surroundings and took pride in a home that was orderly, comfortable and inviting. Marie was also someone who valued family connections. As her parents grew older, she remained closely involved in their lives and cared for Arlene and Josh in their home until their passing. She later continued managing the real estate portion of Josh’s business, putting her organizational skills and practical intelligence to good use. Marie leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Kimberlee Esposito of Wilmot, NH, and Kara (Dwane) Sweatt of West Stewartstown; and her three grandchildren, Carly Esposito, Karsen Sweatt, and Karissa Sweatt. She was predeceased by her father, Norman J. Roppel; her mother, Arlene “Sue” Young; and her stepfather, Almon “Josh” Young. Marie’s sound advice, good sense of humor and quick wit will be deeply missed by her family. Her presence, personality and the many things that made her uniquely Marie will remain a lasting part of the family she loved. There were no public calling hours. A private graveside service and interment took place at Perry Cemetery in Clarksville on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. Expressions of sympathy in Marie’s memory may be made to Tomten Farm & Sanctuary in Haverhill, NH, an animal rescue organization at https://tomtenfarmandsanctuary.networkforgood.com/projects/69432-every-day-giving, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Marie L. Conroy

July 31, 1943 - August 21, 2026