Rose M (Conti) Roy

Westfield, MA: Rose M. (Conti) Roy passed away peacefully at the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke on February 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Websterville, Vermont on September 17, 1922 - one of nine children. She was a WWII veteran, who served with the U.S. Navy, WAVES from 1944 to 1946. She was assigned to FPO fleet records offices in NY and San Francisco. Prior to enlistment, she worked as a telephone operator in Barre Vt. At a time when telephones had no dials, an operator’s job was difficult to master, however, Rose did it well. She was later employed at the offices of the International Immigration Office in St. Albans, Vermont. Rose, who was a whiz at shorthand & typing, later became 1st Administrative Assistant to the Vermont Registrar of Motor vehicles in Montpelier Vermont. When war broke out, she went to work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, as a real life “Rosie the Riveter.” From there, she joined the Navy out of sheer patriotism. After the war, Rose re-connected with her “ol’ Pal” Eddie Roy, a decorated US Army paratrooper. They were married on November 9, 1946 - living first in Washington Vermont and eventually settling in Westfield, MA. Rose became a licensed real estate broker, all the while considering her husband and family as the most fulfilling focus of her life. Rose is survived by three sons Andrew of Southwick MA, Richard and Robert of Westfield, MA and two daughters Gloria Farrell of Russell and Elaine Roy of Westfield. She also leaves 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband Edward, her parents Loretta and Andrew Conti, five brothers: Nick, Conception, Vincent, Peter and Stanley, and three sisters: Mary, Annette, and Norma. She was also pre-deceased by her daughter-in-law Diane and grandson Eric. Throughout her life, until her eyesight failed, Rose was an avid reader. She was a member of the Pioneer Valley Waves. She also enjoyed accompanying her husband to his 509th reunions all over the country. Calling hours will be Friday, February 28, from 4pm - 7pm at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. The funeral will be Saturday, March 1, at 9:00 am - 10:30 at the funeral home with Liturgy of Christian Burial following at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, Westfield. Burial will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. Firtionadams.com

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