Helen D. Connolly's Obituary
SANFORD, FL - With great sadness and deep love, the family of Helen Dolores Connolly (nee Farrell) announce her passing on February 1, 2022, at the age of 91.
Dolores was born in Providence, RI, on Sept. 4, 1930, and passed away in Sanford, Fl. Dolores, as she preferred to be known, graduated from St. Mary's Academy of the Visitation. Ever industrious as a young adult, she worked at her father's hardware store, his photo processing business and many more of his business ventures. She went on to raise five children while juggling various employment endeavors, including as a typist and waitress. She also worked in the mills, retail stores, and Rhode Island College’s art department.
Always invested as a mom and grandmom, Dolores showed her love in so many ways, whether through long chatty phone calls, thoughtful whimsical gifts or carefully chosen newspaper clippings. She was an exuberant presence at every special event, birthday and family vacation.
As a friend, Dolores would never forget a birthday, showing up with a card or a phone call. She loved to entertain and have company over for dinner or just a drink. Many a St. Patrick's Day party was hosted in her home, complete with her famous Irish Bread and dyed-green foods. Her interests were broad, from singing in choirs to miniature clubs, where she won many ribbons for her creative competition entries. She loved Red Hat Society activities, hosting dinner clubs and acting in the Richey Suncoast Theater and Heritage Springs Theatre groups.
Dolores excelled as Joe’s loving wife. They met and married in Rhode Island at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Providence and bought their first house together in Maine. After moving back to Rhode Island, she held down the fort with the kids during Joe's years as a traveling salesman. She wrangled the family in moves to Kansas City, Mo., and then to the Tampa area in Florida, where the couple enjoyed the beach and many new friends. They were sweethearts for nearly 67 years, always holding hands, traveling the world, active in church and enjoying their family.
Dementia may have taken many precious memories from Dolores, but it never stole her spark, love of singing and her interest in other people. She continued to delight the staff and residents of The Atria Park Lake Forest memory care unit in Sanford, Fl., with her accurate aim in balloon ball, quick wit and love of dancing and singing. Staff delighted (we like to think) in her ability to sneak in and out of other resident's closets. The clothes may not have belonged to her, but she wore them with style.
A fan of gift shops everywhere, she never passed up a collectible fad like Beanie Babies, Hallmark Ornaments, Cabbage Patch dolls and Dept. 56 Christmas Villages. We will continue to hold on to her carefully preserved treasures, waiting for that day they become valuable.
Dolores’s charitable giving extended beyond her family to friends and strangers alike. She was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, PTA president and school and St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteer.
While Dolores had a hard time cutting a conversation short, she exuded love and caring for those around her. Needless to say, and to make a long story short, Dolores will always be missed and loved.
Dolores is predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph A. Connolly; her parents, Helen R. and Louis E. Farrell; sister, Joan F. Brillon; and brother, William E. Farrell. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Joseph M. Connolly (Kim) of New York; James W. Connolly (Renee) of California; Karen A. Cardoza (Vic) of California; Maureen C. Mann (Mike) of Texas; and Kevin P. Connolly (Amy) of Florida.
She took joy in her seven grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Logan, Lucas, Patrick, McKenna and Joseph Quinn.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Trinity, FL at 11 a.m. Monday, February 28. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
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