Annette J, (Sykes) Holroyd

Beloved daughter, mother, nana, aunt, and loyal friend to many.

Annette passed on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, after a long illness. Thanks to the incredible and selfless care provided by her grandson Scott, she was able to pass peacefully at home, surrounded by her greatest joys—her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in whom she took great pride.

Born in Gouverneur, New York, on August 9th, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Robert Sykes Sr. and Frances (Potter) Sykes. She was preceded in death by her daughter Patricia J. Holroyd, her son Gregory A. Holroyd, and her longtime companion John “Jack” Thompson of Lowell, MA.

Annette leaves behind her brother Robert Sykes Jr. of New York; her grandchildren: Scott Holroyd of Tewksbury, MA, Joseph Holroyd and his wife Korey Holroyd of Wakefield, MA, and Brandon Holroyd of Maine; her two great-grandchildren, Olivia and William Holroyd; her daughter’s life partner Brian Shields of Norwood, MA; as well as nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Annette was a sweet and gentle soul who was also strong-willed and had a great sense of humor. She never let anyone forget where she came from—a farm in upstate New York. You could always count on her to sew and fix anything, and she always had fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies ready for her loved ones.

"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us" - Helen Keller

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service to be held on Thursday October 2, 2025, at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL at 12:00 Noon. Burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery 90 River Rd., Tewksbury, MA 01876 . Those wishing to do so may make contributions in her memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund, 450 Brookline Avenue West, Boston, MA 02215 or www.jimmyfund.org. E-condolences and directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com.Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell Jr. (978) 458-8768.

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