Obituary of Alison Anne Van Stry

LINK to funeral mass

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Alison Anne Van Stry passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday February 2, 2024. She was 81 years old. Alison was the daughter of George and Alison Munroe. She was born, raised and educated in Boston. She resided in Somerville, Cambridge and Lisbon Falls Maine before eventually settling in Nashua, NH in 1973. She lived in Nashua until 2013, when she moved to Burlington to be closer to her son and his family.

Alison was a very independent woman who broke many of the glass ceilings in the workplaces of the time. She worked at Centronix, Digital and PC Connections for much of her career. She started in entry level positions, but her intelligence, wit and tenacity ensured that she moved quickly up the professional ladder. With an unparalleled work ethic, she faced every obstacle head-on, refusing to succumb to the male-dominated corporate culture that often impeded women’s advancement in the workplace. Alison fearlessly spoke her mind and backed her words with action, earning the respect of both her managers and colleagues for her ability to deliver results. In addition to her technology career, she also held a real estate license and was a successful salesperson in Southern New Hampshire with Century 21.

Alison loved her brothers Robert and Alan as well as their dear wives - Dody and Norma. Reflections of Bob were happy ones and always included his passion for military modeling and the fact that he always sent Michael home with one of his completed works. She would smile proudly when she showed Alan’s beautiful art work displayed throughout her home, always saying what an amazing artist he was.

Alison loved being on the go and staying active. Tending to her gardens were her passion, spending hours in her flower beds nurturing beautiful and vibrant blooms enjoyed by her lovely Bird visitors. Alison was also a very skilled quilter and knitter adorning her home with intricately crafted quilts that became treasured heirlooms within her family. Her affection extended to her beloved pets, “Boomer, Huck and yes - Tango (Taco)”, and her faithful 20-year-old feline companion “Sundance”. Exploring the nearby woods with her dogs became a cherished routine, reflecting her love for nature.

Alison cherished the simplicity of life’s most significant aspects, most importantly her family. Her son Michael was the most important person in her life, her sweetheart. As a mother, Alison was direct and unwavering, instilling values of responsibility, education, hard-work and appreciating the simple but most important things in life - family. Relocating to Burlington was to be closer to Michael, allowing him to care for her in every possible way. Their conversations ranged from politics, history and global affairs, marked by Alison’s unfiltered and often humorous opinions. Her granddaughters, Erica and Monica, held a special place in her heart and she took immense pride in their growth from childhood to confident young women. She loved seeing her qualities of inquisitiveness and spirit reflected within them. Alison’s spirited and feisty nature continued with age. She valued the kindness and support of her dear neighbors, friends and family. They took great care of her not only with friendship but spending time, laughing, driving the weekly loop to the Burlington Library which she loved, Shaws and Subway as well enjoying her in-home haircuts! Unconventional, unique and resolute - Alison lived life on her own terms, leaving behind a legacy of authenticity and independence that will continue to touch the lives of those who knew her. She will be missed but lovingly remembered.

Alison was the beloved wife of the late James Francis Van Stry, the daughter of the late George and Alison Munroe. She was the loving mother of Michael Van Stry and his wife Joanne of Burlington. She was the proud grandmother of Erica and Monica Van Stry. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert and Alan Munroe. She leaves behind her loving nieces and nephews. A visiting hour will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Saturday, February 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Services will conclude with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret’s Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at Noon.

Memorials in Alison’s name may be made to the Friends of the Burlington Public Library, 22 Sears Street, Burlington, MA 01803.