Shirley Mae (Burns) Conroy

Mrs. Shirley Mae Burns Conroy passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023 at her home in Atlanta, GA at the age of 99 ½, in the company of family. Shirley was the wife of the late Leo E. Conroy, retired SAC at the FBI, and later CocaCola executive in Atlanta. She was born in Elizabeth NJ on July 25, 1923 to Joseph F. and Mae (Goggins) Burns, attended school in Elizabeth, and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Ohio University in 1946. She began her teaching career in East Liverpool, Ohio, then also taught 1st grade in Roselle NJ and Falls Church, VA.

Shirley married Leo E. Conroy on October 30, 1948. She and Leo lived in Morristown, NJ, Falls Church, VA, Albuquerque, NM, and Albany, NY before settling into their home in Dunwoody GA in 1972. While in Virginia, they bred and raised champion Irish Setters, Kerry and Erin, whose offspring were shown at the famous Westminster Dog Show. She fell in love with New Mexico, it’s scenery, culture, cuisine and people. Shirley enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, and later solo, to Europe and Asia. Her favorite place to visit was Paris, France and she even cruised the Panama Canal. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. Once asked if she and Uncle Leo often played golf together, she smiled and said “No, dear, he took the game much more seriously than I”. As a Jersey girl, Aunt Shirley naturally had a love for the ocean and beach which she carried with her to Hilton Head, her ‘Happy Place’.

Shirley maintained her keen wit and sharp intellect throughout her days, she loved daisies and yellow roses, was an avid cook and hostess extraordinaire, and took great joy in her visits with Sam, her Great Pyrenees pal.

Shirley was predeceased by her devoted husband of 49 yrs, Leo in 1997, her infant son Leo in 1949, her loving parents Joseph F and Mae Burns; her doting aunt and uncle Marguerite and Edward Ferguson, her grandmother Nora Goggins, 3 brothers-in-law and their wives and her brother-in-law/cousin Hilary S Burns.

She is survived by her childhood friend of 85 yrs and sister-in-law Kathleen C. Burns of NJ, and many nieces and nephews, especially her niece, Kathleen M. Burns, who cared for her and traveled with her these past 10 years. She is fondly remembered by her friends, especially the Pelt, Adcock, and Jacobson families; her neighbors who often stopped by to chat or bring treats and her long time caregivers Helen and Juanita who were dedicated to providing Mrs. Conroy with care, humor and friendship. The family wishes to thank Hospice Atlanta and VNA PHC for their care of Mrs. Conroy, especially Maxine, Jane and Tangie.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St Vincent DePaul Society, St Jude Conference 725 Spalding Dr, Atlanta GA 30328.