Connelly, Mary E. (Rice)

Mary E. Connelly of Clinton, CT, passed away on March 19, 2024 at the age of 96. Born in 1927 to the late Edward F. Rice and Annie Lucas Rice, she enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Newington, CT. In 1942, she eloped with John J Connelly and they raised their four children in West Hartford, spending summer vacations in Clinton, CT. After John's death in 1987, Mary moved to “her cozy home” by the beach in Clinton, which she later shared with loving companions Wally and then Warren.

Faith and family were at the center of Mary's life. Anyone needing a kind word or looking to share a laugh, could count on Mary and was welcome to join her extended family. She was a devoted mother to sons Rob (Kathy) of East Granby, CT, Kevin of Simpsonville, SC and son Jack and daughter Pamela who predeceased her. She leaves behind to treasure her memory her adored grandchildren Kieffer (Abbi) of Salem, WA, Katherine of Madison, WI and Christopher (Lauren) of Fairfield, CT. In her later years, she thoroughly enjoyed her great grandsons, Torrin and Conner of WA and Maxton, Bryden and Kaden of CT. She felt especially blessed to find a second family with Warren's family and to be loved by those who will celebrate her life and smile at her memory: her cherished nieces and nephews, wonderful, caring friends, caregivers and adopted family members.

There are no calling hours. Burial will be private in the family plot at Newington Center Cemetery. To honor Mary, have a cup of coffee on the beach, hug your loved ones, cheer for the UConn Men's and Women's basketball teams, greet people with a smile or have a glass of wine with a friend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or a charity of your choice.

Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington holds the privilege of serving her family. To share a memory or condolence, please visit us at www.duksa.net.